Evidence of meeting #16 for COVID-19 Pandemic in the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was chair.
A video is available from Parliament.
2 p.m.
Liberal
Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC
Mr. Chair, the official meeting with my partners, by which I mean all the country's ministers of agriculture, has been postponed. However, we speak to each other each week. We can even see each other using the Zoom platform, for example.
We discuss the best ways to provide immediate support to our producers in the current situation.
2 p.m.
Conservative
Dan Mazier Conservative Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, MB
Mr. Chair, does the minister believe the government's actions are sufficient for our farm families to succeed, yes or no?
2 p.m.
Liberal
Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC
Mr. Chair, I thank my colleague for his question.
Better is always possible.
That is why, our risk management programs aside, we are working very hard with representatives in the sector and with our provincial partners to bring in new improvements and establish new programs.
2 p.m.
Conservative
The Acting Chair Conservative Bruce Stanton
Mr. Mazier, we have about 40 seconds left for a short question.
2 p.m.
Conservative
Dan Mazier Conservative Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, MB
Thank you. The unprecedented nature of this pandemic calls for unprecedented action, not recycled programs by a government that does not take agriculture seriously.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture asked for $2.6 billion in support and said that the government has fallen woefully short in addressing the needs of agri-food's mounting losses. Why has this minister failed to listen to the organizations that represent Canadian agriculture?
2:05 p.m.
Liberal
Marie-Claude Bibeau Liberal Compton—Stanstead, QC
Mr. Chair, listening to representatives from agriculture is what I do full-time.
Let me remind you that, in a normal year, our risk management programs come to $1.6 billion. It could be much more this year. The AgriInvest program has $2.3 billion. To date, we have moved the AgriRecovery program from an average of $15 million to $125 million. We have increased the funding for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and done a lot more.
2:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Acting Chair Conservative Bruce Stanton
That will conclude the committee proceedings for today.
Accordingly, this committee stands adjourned until tomorrow at noon.