Mr. Sarai.
Evidence of meeting #8 for International Trade in the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was sector.
A video is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #8 for International Trade in the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was sector.
A video is available from Parliament.
7:55 p.m.
Liberal
Randeep Sarai Liberal Surrey Centre, BC
I want to thank you all for coming. Even though we get a lot of the same sector, we learn different things.
My question is for Ms. MacLellan.
You said that you actually see opportunity in terms of the dairy sector's using the gains or some of the sector market share that we get from the U.S. What's the best way to access those gains? Is it through new, innovative means? Do you need support in that in terms of it? Is it certain sector or talent requirements? What would be the most effective way for you to gain market share in the U.S. and increase productivity in your specialized products?
7:55 p.m.
Vice-President, Strategy and Industry Affairs, Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Ltd.
We do have a number of products. We make a wonderful smooth cottage cheese at a fantastic area in Etobicoke. We actually have a North American patent on that. We are looking at various goods that we already make that we can ship to the U.S.
As much as market access to the U.S. has been gained, we don't expect the U.S. to make it easy for us as Canadian dairy to enter the U.S. market, so we definitely are looking at other marketplaces.
As the global population is growing, there are increasingly stronger demands for milk proteins in different ways, both for confectionary and baking. As we look at other parts of the globe, there are opportunities for export. The U.S. may play a part in an export plan for Canada, but certainly it's not going to be our number one priority. I think, if anything, we've learned from our colleagues in other sectors that if you're looking at export outside of Canada, diversification and not having all of your milk proteins going into one country would be one of the best strategies.
7:55 p.m.
Liberal
Randeep Sarai Liberal Surrey Centre, BC
That seems to be a strategy that many industries in Canada, softwood lumber, canola and others, have witnessed. If you put too much emphasis on just one market, then whenever there's an issue—canola in China or softwood in the States—you get stuck with that one. So, diversifying....
We haven't heard as much from the dairy sector on diversifying. We do hear that China, Japan or Hong Kong as part of China will have a higher market demand for our baby foods and other dry milk products.
Do you see that as the way to go to increase your products?
7:55 p.m.
Vice-President, Strategy and Industry Affairs, Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Ltd.
It's a part of it. Make no mistake, the domestic Canadian marketplace is still the number one marketplace for us. I think we've also learned lessons from other sectors in that as we are losing market share, we can't afford to lose any more than what has been allocated and given away in trade agreements; and that we also need to keep priority on what and how we service Canadians with the Canadian dairy products that they love and trust.
February 24th, 2020 / 7:55 p.m.
Liberal
Randeep Sarai Liberal Surrey Centre, BC
Have you used some of the funding that the dairy industry is getting—or is going to be getting and received some, in my understanding, as of December—to create better awareness amongst consumers in Canada that our made-in-Canada product is a better product?
I have been told many times by the dairy industry when they have come to meet me that I'm the most informed on dairy. I have several types of milk in my refrigerator. I have organic milk. I have grass-fed milk. I have 2%, 1%, skim milk. I have it all in my house. I am well versed. Different kids have different demands, and I have my own requirements.
What I don't see is our dairy industry pushing that made-in-Canada, high-quality milk as much as it should. I know that blue logo that's on your cards has been out there, but...something to push it. Our doctors are well aware that it's one of the best products. It's better than American milk, especially because of some of the hormones or injections that the Americans use.
How can you make that more abundantly clear for Canadian consumers?
7:55 p.m.
Vice-President, Strategy and Industry Affairs, Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Ltd.
That's probably a better question to pose to industry associations, because they're the ones that manage the marketing dollars and focus on the marketing activities. I do think that it is a part of a struggle, as you increasingly have more options in the marketplace for consumer choice.
8 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Thank you very much to our witnesses who took the time to come out. We really appreciate it.
It has been a long day. We have another long day tomorrow, starting tomorrow morning at nine o'clock with more witnesses.
I will adjourn until tomorrow morning at nine o'clock.