John Barlow

[Transportation Modernization Act, May 3rd, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, the minister's presentation highlights a lot of the frustration that we have heard from our stakeholders.

A lot of questions are around the inaction from the minister on this file, especially when it comes to grain transportation. The minister is now standing up and saying that the government is going to be supporting a lot of these amendments, amendments that were brought up at the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities almost a year ago, when the government turned those same amendments down.

Our producers have had to suffer this grain backlog for months, and the question they have is why the government would not support these amendments months ago rather than making them go through this.

The minister mentioned that the Canadian Transportation Agency will now have “own motion” powers to investigate any issues that may arise. However, as part of that amendment, the authority to allow that investigation to happen is strictly at the feet of the minister. The minister can make that decision if an investigation is going to happen and he sets the parameters.

The minister took no action when the grain backlog was at its worst, from October right through to February. He did nothing. How can our stakeholders trust that he will take action next time when a complaint or an issue is brought forward by the Canadian Transportation Agency?

[Business of Supply, May 1st, 2018]

No, Madam Speaker.

[Foreign Affairs, April 26th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister's conspiracy theory has destroyed our trading relationship with India. Canadian pulse producers are already facing 50% duties, and now India has imposed basically a three-month ban on yellow pea imports. Our pea exports to India are down 80%, putting a $4-billion pulse industry at risk.

When will the Prime Minister apologize to the Indian government, because does he know who is paying for these false accusations? Canadian farmers.

[Interprovincial Trade, April 19th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, a true Canadian free trade agreement would offer an incredible economic opportunity. It would create jobs and improve consumer choice. Interprovincial trade barriers are crippling Canadian businesses, costing our economy $130 billion.

Instead of fighting for free trade, the Liberals are stifling growth by piling on debt and imposing an unprecedented escalator tax on beer, wine, and spirits.

Will the Prime Minister commit to renegotiating a true Canadian free trade agreement? Will he axe the tax? Will he free the beer?

[April 18th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Minister of Natural Resources asked why we are not sharing his optimism. Is he serious? Investments of $86 billion are gone. Northern gateway, energy east, and Pacific NorthWest are cancelled. Trans Mountain is on its last legs, and we are facing a job-killing carbon tax. Again, the Prime Minister unveils his true vision for Canada's energy sector: phasing it out.

On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of unemployed energy workers across Canada and their families, does the minister truly believe that phasing out Alberta's energy sector is reason for optimism, or is he just delusional?

[National Grain Week, April 18th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, our farmers have much of which to be proud: a tireless work ethic, an unwavering commitment to our rural communities, and a passion for the land passed on from generation to generation.

I invite Canadians across the country to join me in celebrating the inaugural National Grain Week. Through innovation, determination, and environmental stewardship, our Canadian farmers grow the highest-quality grain in the world.

To continue to be successful, our farmers must get their products to market, and they must have an efficient regulatory regime. We have much work to do, and time is of the essence. Amendments to Bill C-49 would bring much-needed accountability to our transportation system, preventing future crippling grain backlogs.

The trans-Pacific partnership provides access to lucrative new markets, ensuring long-term stability for Canadian grain growers. We must work together in the House to pass Bill C-49 as amended and ratify the TPP before the summer recess.

As Conservatives, we are committed to getting this done. In the spirit of National Grain Week, I ask everyone to join us.

[Questions Passed as Orders for Returns, April 16th, 2018]

With regard to the trip to India by the Prime Minister and other ministers in February 2018, and for each member of Cabinet who was on the trip: (a) what were the details of each of their itineraries; and (b) for each meeting listed on the itineraries in (a), what is the list of attendees?

[Agriculture and Agri-food, March 29th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, our key exports are down 73%. Lentils are down 79%. India has increased tariffs and are implementing a fumigation fee. The CEO of a major pulse exporter said that the trade crisis with India is the “ultimate hammer”, and that we have been “hit over the head and we are bleeding”.

For the sake of Canadian pulse producers, will the agriculture minister insist that the Prime Minister admit that his India conspiracy theory is a farce?

[Agriculture and Agri-food, March 29th, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, it does not matter if our producers cannot get their products to market if they do not have a market to sell it to.

The Liberals have to understand that there are very real consequences to the Prime Minister's disastrous trip to India.

[Business of Supply, March 22nd, 2018]

Mr. Speaker, whether my colleague agrees with free trade or not, I know in his province of Manitoba, pulses and these types of products are very important to the farmers. In case I am wrong, I want to ensure my numbers are correct.

The tariffs on lentils and pulses went to 30% and 50%. The chickpea tariff went from 40% to 60%. Are those numbers correct? Did the Prime Minister take the agriculture minister with him to India with his large entourage and did he come home with any type of agreement on the fumigation issue, which is costing our pulse producers substantially? We are seeing our exports to India go from $1.4 billion in pulses to closer to $900 million. I think those numbers are correct. I want to ensure I am right on that.