Larry Miller

[Committees of the House, March 18th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of tabling two reports today, in both official languages, from the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.

The first report is in relation to supplementary estimates (C) of 2009-10.

The second report is in relation to the main estimates of 2010-11.

[Seeds Regulations Act, March 17th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to speak to Bill C-474 on St. Patrick's Day today. I know that I only have a few minutes, but I can finish it another day.

As others have argued here tonight, we need to proceed with caution on Bill C-474. Canada's farmers, as we know, depend upon trade for their livelihoods. Canadians depend upon that same trade for jobs and prosperity. Canada's agrifood and seafood exports are more than $42 billion and contribute over $13 billion to Canada's trade surplus. In total, Canada's agriculture and food industry drives over 8% of our GDP, and one in eight of our jobs.

Our government is committed to the continued success of Canadian agriculture. We put farmers first in every decision we make on agriculture. It has to be that way. Our formula is simple and it works. We listen to farmers. We work with farmers and we deliver the bankable, practical results farmers need. Farmers need markets and that is why the minister, on behalf of this government, has been taking an aggressive approach, opening up international markets for our farmers.

Canada believes successful trade must be based on sound science and fair rules, and those are the key words in this bill. It has to be based on sound science, so we need to be very cautious of any move to introduce a subjective, non-scientific element to the discussion. I am referring to socio-economic considerations such as consumers' attitudes in other countries to genetically engineered foods. These matters are very important, but they are best resolved by the industry and the marketplace, not governments. We have seen, for instance, how the marketplace has responded to changing attitudes, vis-à-vis GE foods in a number of European markets. Our message as a trading nation must be consistent.

I will close in just saying that there is a lot more to be said on this, but we must base this on science. Genetically modified seeds have been around for 50 years and they are very important to agriculture.

[The Budget, March 11th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, last night the opposition coalition voted yet again against Canada's economic recovery. Our government's budget is based on hundreds of consultations with Canadian workers, businesses and families from coast to coast to coast. We heard one message loud and clear: Canadians remain concerned about jobs and the economy.

In keeping with these priorities the budget completes our economic action plan. It contains stimulus measures to create jobs now, additional steps to protect existing jobs and looks ahead to secure Canada's long-term growth. We made it clear in the budget that our government will not raise taxes or cut major transfers to key programs like health care or to other levels of government. No wonder the Liberals voted against it. Our jobs and growth budget continues a plan that is working.

Canadians can count on this government to continue to focus on what matters to them. We will not let them down.

[The Economy, March 4th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments by the member for Kenora and his knowledge on the issues. Part of our plan here is to continue on the stimulus to create jobs. I would like him to talk a little bit about some of the stimulus and how it has worked in his riding. I know of some projects that have been very good in my own riding and I think in many others.

I would also like him to talk a little bit about the state of that deficit and how much worse it would be if this government had not spent and taken $40 billion off that debt prior to this.

[Olympic and Paralympic Athletes, March 4th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Olympic athletes of the world who came to compete in Vancouver. They are all deserving of our appreciation for their hard work and fine sportsmanship.

I know that we are all proud to be Canadian after the exceptional performance of our athletes, who won far more gold medals than any host country in the history of the games. They also set records for most medals won by Canada and the overall record for gold medals. They brought Canada our very first gold medals on home soil and have truly owned the podium. Whether it is Alexandre Bilodeau and Ashleigh McIvor on the ski slopes, our women's hockey team or Sidney Crosby scoring the game-winning goal, all of our athletes performed exceptionally.

Now it is time to wish all our Paralympic athletes good luck in their winter games. I have had the pleasure of meeting Jason Crone, a Paralympian from Owen Sound who won a bronze medal in 2008 for wheelchair rugby. From my experience with Jason, I know that our Paralympians will do Canada proud as well. Good luck to all our Paralympic athletes.

[The Economy, March 4th, 2010]

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the member's comments on the changes that the finance minister made to the amount of debt. I would like him to talk a little bit about the repercussions of that in comparison with the United States if that was allowed to happen.

[Committees of the House, December 2nd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I have the distinct honour to present, in both official languages, the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food in relation to the agriculture flexibility program.

[Gus Mitges, November 20th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, today I want to remember Dr. Gus Mitges, an exemplary parliamentarian who served the people of Bruce—Grey and Grey—Simcoe in a distinguished manner for nearly 21 years.

He will be missed by his beloved wife, Yolanda, and his many children and grandchildren.

Gus will be fondly remembered by the people of Bruce--Grey--Owen Sound, who I know would like to extend their sympathies to Gus's family and their thanks for his service to them and to Canada. Gus was elected repeatedly by the people of Bruce—Grey and Grey--Simcoe. He served them well as a member of many House committees, including agriculture, veterans affairs, public accounts and the Library of Parliament.

Born in Greece, Gus had a true Canadian experience, coming to Canada and working as a veterinarian. Gus garnered the respect of his entire community.

It is rare for someone to serve so long in federal politics and to be able to continue to get the support and appreciation of the people.

I ask all members of the House to join with me in saluting and remembering a great Canadian. Many thanks, Gus.

[Committees of the House, November 19th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the fifth report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food in relation to the removal of Canada's state trading enterprises and supply management systems from the Doha agreement.

[Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Act, November 5th, 2009]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-479, An Act to amend the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Act (individuals or entities engaged in farming operations).

Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure for me to introduce this private member's bill, entitled An Act to amend the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Act. My own nickname for it is the farm program eligibility act.

The purpose of this bill is to ensure that actual farmers are the primary targets and beneficiaries of federally funded farm programs. The bill would also ensure that farm program benefits cannot be paid out by the federal government to large publicly traded and international companies, slaughter plants or grain trading companies that might happen to also own some agricultural production units.

Another important part of this bill is that it will ensure that beginning farmers will be eligible for programs. It specifies a very low gross receipts threshold for those young farmers. With great pleasure, I table this.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)