Mr. Speaker, I ask the new Minister of Health to address a problem in her department which has created a barrier for innovation in the agricultural and horticultural industries in Canada. The problem is the pest control registration process. Last year in Canada only 22 minor use registrations were approved. Last year in the United States 1,200 similar products were approved.
Canada's regulatory system must be adapted to ensure access to new products and safeguard the sector's ability to compete. The regulatory process must not be a drag on innovation. Organizations across Canada like the Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia are demanding that the cumbersome system be changed to encourage innovation, not stifle it.
The minister last week moved quickly to correct another problem with respect to pesticide regulation. I hope that she can now act quickly to again address the unnecessary hurdle that prevents these Canadian industries from competing with countries that promote innovation.