Jean-Claude Poissant

[Earth Day, April 22nd, 2016]

Madam Speaker, today is Earth Day, which is celebrated every year on April 22 by people all around the world. This day has been firmly entrenched in American traditions for the past 45 years, although it has been officially celebrated in Quebec only since 1995.

Over one billion people in 192 countries are celebrating Earth Day today by taking part in all kinds of activities to raise awareness about environmental issues. This day is more than just symbolic; it reminds us how important it is to take care of our planet.

What does it take to contribute? Little things count, such as planting trees or finding ways to repurpose our waste materials. We definitely all have an important role to play in looking after our beautiful planet, but we must not forget that our farmers are an important part of the solution to ensuring food security for future generations.

I often tell the people around me that we must always be mindful of this beautiful earth. It sustains us today, but it might destroy us one day if we do not look after it.

[Agriculture and Agri-Food, April 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for moving this motion in the House today.

We inherited this problem from the previous government. Even the previous government put manufacturing standards in place that it did not enforce.

That is why we understand how important it is to act. We are working with the industry to create a sustainable solution.

[International Trade, April 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.

The minister and I have both been dairy producers, and my son represents the fifth generation working for the business. We are aware of what farms contribute to regional economies. We are working with the industry to come up with a long-term solution, not a short-term one.

[Business of Supply, April 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.

Indeed, the problem has been around for more than three years. We were elected barely six months ago, and when we took office, the problem was obviously already there. The rules had already been established in the cheese compositional standards by the former government. However, that government never enforced them.

Now we are being asked to enforce them, when we have just taken office and the problem has already become broader in scope. We are definitely working as quickly as possible to find a lasting solution on this issue.

[Business of Supply, April 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her question.

It all looks so simple. However, the things that look the simplest are often the most complicated. It has become a broader issue, and it will take time to put everything in place. As I explained just now, we do not want to implement an agreement that is hastily thrown together. We want something that will last. That is why it is taking a bit longer.

[Business of Supply, April 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question.

We are currently looking at all the regulations as well and trying to determine how we can enforce them as normally as possible.

[Business of Supply, April 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his question.

The Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food also covers processors. The decisions that we make must therefore represent the sector. It is a question of time. I understand the time crunch, but we are holding discussions with the industry and the producers. The producers are even holding discussions with the industry. Once the discussions have been completed, we will see how we can give clear orders on enforcement.

[Business of Supply, April 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her remarks.

Indeed, I have met with dairy producers from her province. They understand very well that although we want to do something, it is important that we implement a sustainable solution. It is a matter of time, but we want to act quickly.

The only answer I can give is that the minister and I want to bring in sustainable solutions.

[Business of Supply, April 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague.

The problem existed before we came to power. Like many other issues, the problem of diafiltered milk entering the country already existed. I have to wonder why the Conservatives did not enforce the regulations when they were in power. Those regulations were put in place by the previous government in 2008, but were never enforced.

Now that we are in power, we need to take action quickly. That is what we want to do, but first we need to take the time to come up with a lasting agreement, and not one that is hastily thrown together. That is why it is taking some time.

[Business of Supply, April 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I will get to it.

As I was explaining, these investments will make it possible to build enclosures for livestock so they are kept away from bodies of water, relocate livestock wintering facilities away from waterways, improve manure storage to protect the environment, and establish feed crops on eroding soil.

The initiative will help finance internships at agricultural operations and agriculture and agri-food organizations to encourage youth to apply for green jobs. Furthermore, on Tuesday, the Dairy Farmers of Canada launched a sustainability initiative to showcase farmers' commitment to applying high standards on their farms in areas from milk quality to food safety, animal care, traceability, biosecurity, and the environment.

Milk producers are clearly demonstrating their commitment to responsible stewardship of their animals and the environment, producing high-quality, safe, and nutritious food for consumers in a sustainable manner. They are demonstrating to consumers that they share their passion for food quality, animal care, and the environment.

As I mentioned, we are aware of the industry's concerns. As producers have told us repeatedly, the use of diafiltered milk in cheese production is worrisome. We are working on finding a sustainable solution.

The minister and I have had exhaustive discussions with producers across Canada. The government is working to ensure that the standards are clear to everyone. The government fully supports supply management, recognizes the importance of effective import control measures, and manages those imports in accordance with its international trade obligations. The minister and his team regularly communicate with dairy sector stakeholders about this very serious issue. Our team is doing what must be done to ensure that the standards are clear to everyone.

Once again, the Government of Canada fully supports supply management. That means we have to resolve certain problems, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to do that here in the House. Problems always give rise to opportunities.

Canada's dairy industry is doing excellent work in growing markets by promoting its brand, collaborating with the industry, and innovating. Canada's dairy producers are unsurpassed. In my home province, Quebec, we know that Quebec cheeses are among the best in the world. Quebec dairy processors produce more than 60% of the cheese made in Canada. Quebec has about 110 cheesemakers and about 450 cheeses available on the market.

Today, about 50 small dairy processing companies, most of which are artisanal cheesemakers, are the pride of the regions, and their products are enjoyed by people all across Quebec. In fact, 31 of the 81 finalists in the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix were from Quebec. We can be proud of that. Fifteen Quebec cheesemakers won one or more awards for their cheeses at this prestigious competition. Nine new categories, including three for Gouda and one for smoked cheeses, were added to better reflect the growth and diversity of production in Canada, bringing the total number of categories to 27. Our award-winning cheeses can hold their own against the best cheeses in the world in terms of flavour and quality. World-class cheese made with Quebec milk is a winning combination.

We will continue to work with our industry to help dairy producers take full advantage of new global marketing opportunities.

We are determined to work together to help the sector make the most of the incredible opportunities that await us. We have entered into discussions with the industry and the provinces and territories about a strategic five-year pan-Canadian framework for agriculture. We will be reaching out to all producers to establish a framework for the future. I am pleased with the dialogue that is currently taking place between producers and processors in the industry on how to make the industry more competitive and innovative.

I encourage everyone to continue those discussions. I sincerely believe that working with the industry is the best way to overcome the challenges that the dairy industry is facing. From what I have learned from our discussions with dairy producers, I believe that the industry is ready to seize the opportunities for growth. The future outlook for the dairy industry is very promising.

The global population is growing fast, and the world will need to produce 60% more food to feed future generations. That food will come from world-class companies, which are found all over Quebec. It will require a lot of hard work and co-operation to overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities. I firmly believe in teamwork. Together, we will establish a partnership for a prosperous future in Canada's agrifood industry.