House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2019, with 37% of the vote.
The Environment November 25th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, I am proud of our government's record on the environment and climate change. As we have said many times, our government is committed to a cleaner environment and a more innovative economy. Bioproducts, including biofuels, can help create new economic opportunities for farmers and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
La-Nativité-de-la-Sainte-Vierge Church November 25th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, last Friday I attended the special ceremony marking the 175th anniversary of La-Nativité-de-la-Sainte-Vierge church alongside many residents, regional officials, and a chief from Kahnawake.
The mayor of La Prairie, Donat Serres, turned on the lights that now illuminate the steeple of this magnificent church, a legacy project involving much hard work.
This initiative proudly highlights the architecture of this heritage building and showcases an inviting, comforting symbol in the region, a landmark that is a beacon for Vieux La Prairie.
Throughout 2017, La-Nativité-de-la-Sainte-Vierge parish will be celebrating its 350th anniversary, as will the town of La Prairie.
I would like to take this opportunity to invite all my colleagues to come and celebrate with us and to discover the wonderful attractions of the beautiful riding of La Prairie.
Enjoy the celebrations.
Dairy Industry November 18th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, Canada's dairy producers were pleased with our announcement.
The minister and I met with producers and processors across the country. When the program was developed, we considered the comments made by producers and processors across Canada during our consultations. We are also investing in the dairy industry in order for current and future generations of dairy producers and processors to remain viable in the long term.
Agriculture and Agri-food November 18th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, every time a reportable disease is suspected or confirmed, the objective is to minimize the impact on our producers while respecting Canada's domestic and international obligations.
Proper and prudent controls are essential to protecting the health of Canadian livestock. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the CFIA, has assigned more employees to help with the investigation, which will include on-farm testing. CFIA labs are also getting ready to analyze other samples for testing purposes.
The CFIA will provide compensation for all animals that it orders destroyed because of tuberculosis.
Dairy Industry November 18th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, I am appalled to hear this kind of question from the member who is leading the campaign started by one of his colleagues to do away with supply management.
We have created a $350-million investment fund to support the sector in response to the new agreement. That money will help dairy producers and processors adapt to new market conditions and help them make strategic investments. Farmers are investing, and we will contribute to those investments. We met with industry representatives, and we created a program based on the comments we received.
Agriculture and Agri-Food November 4th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, we have already consulted with hundreds of stakeholders, farmers, and Canadians from across the country. Their contributions have been vital to the development of a new framework.
On July 22, 2016, my provincial and territorial colleagues and I issued the Calgary statement. That document outlines the overarching themes and priorities for the next framework and is based on input from stakeholders.
The Government of Canada will continue working with its provincial and territorial partners and consulting with stakeholders on the key elements that will define the next framework.
Agriculture and Agri-Food November 4th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, as a grain farmer myself, I understand how important it is for farmers to harvest the fruits of their labour.
We are working on developing the next agricultural policy framework. We have engaged with the provinces and territories to ensure that Canada's agriculture and agrifood sector remains a leader, and we are making progress. Our priorities include business risk management, environmental sustainability, science, research, and innovation.
Agriculture and Agri-Food November 4th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to protecting the health of Canadian families and animal health. To honour that commitment, we have launched an investigation into this matter.
We are acutely aware of the issues facing ranchers who are dealing with bovine tuberculosis. Many of them would probably have sold the affected animals, so they are now coping with unexpected financial constraints. We will make sure that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency does its work as quickly as possible.
We take all of the issues related to disease prevention very seriously, and we hope the disease can be eradicated from our herds.
Agriculture and Agri-Food November 4th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector needs reliable access to labour.
In many regions, temporary foreign workers make up a significant part of the workforce for some industries.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is working with its federal partners to ensure that the policies and programs pertaining to the labour force take those needs into account.
Dairy Industry November 3rd, 2016
Mr. Speaker, the minister and I are former dairy producers and fully aware of the sector's needs. It was our party that established supply management, and it is our party that will defend it.
As I said, we are finalizing our transition assistance programs. Our goal is to improve the position of dairy producers, to help modernize the Canadian dairy sector, and to ensure its growth and prosperity.