Evidence of meeting #54 for Foreign Affairs and International Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was abortion.
A recording is available from Parliament.
1 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
I'm sorry, Mr. Epp; I will just interject for one second.
Is it the will of the committee that I thank the witnesses?
1 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
1 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
We will come back to you. I apologize, Mr. Epp.
Allow me thank Madame Datta-Ray, Dr. Asogwa and Madame Anderson. Thank you very very much for your time. I should apologize for all the interjections that you were subjected to. Your perspectives were very important, and they will most certainly be reflected in our study.
Thank you kindly for your time.
1 p.m.
Conservative
Dave Epp Conservative Chatham-Kent—Leamington, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The number of people facing acute global food insecurity has soared from 135 million to 345 million people since 2019. In 45 countries, 50 million people right now are approaching famine. That is all directly related to ongoing conflict and in particular to the war in Ukraine.
What may not be known nearly as well is that China is now the world's largest food importer. Of course, we're seeing the relationship between China and Russia unfold before our eyes, specifically on food and food production inputs like fertilizer. It's going to lead to further competition for food, and that's further justification for this study.
The year 2020 was the first year that China recorded—and this stat I found astounding—160 million households with a disposable income of over $25,000. That's more than the United States, which only has a 120 million such households. Think about that for a moment from the perspective of the three As of food security: availability, accessibility and affordability. In addition, China is attempting to feed its population by branching out through its belt and road initiative, with much work in Africa. It's leading to much of the climate degradation and deforestation around the world.
With the six points I cited, I would hope that this committee would consider this motion and consider its priority in its deliberations going forward.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
1 p.m.
Liberal
1 p.m.
Liberal
Rob Oliphant Liberal Don Valley West, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
From this side of the table, we are predisposed to support this motion. We're going to want to look at where it fits into our already tight calendar for the rest of the year and we may amend it slightly.
At this time, I would like to move that we adjourn the meeting.
1 p.m.
Conservative
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
It's that it be adopted on division.
1 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
Can we go to a vote, please?
(Motion agreed to: yeas 7; nays 4)
The meeting stands adjourned.