House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2021, with 37% of the vote.
Agriculture and Agri-Food February 25th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform you that 240 projects were approved under the first stream of the local food infrastructure fund.
These projects will help more Canadians access good food, which is the goal of our food policy. Other projects will be approved soon, and a second call for proposals will be launched in the spring.
Carbon Pricing February 25th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, I know how concerned our farmers are about all the stress factors they have been dealing with, including bad weather in 2019, international trade, and issues stemming from the rail blockades.
I understand the situation, and that is why we created a suite of risk management programs. I am working hard with my provincial counterparts to improve those programs.
We also implemented measures for certain sectors, such as exempting fuel used on farms from the price on pollution.
Agriculture and Agri-Food February 24th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, I can do two things at the same time. I can be supporting my farmers here in Canada, and I can also be supporting and defending international trade based on rules and science.
Agriculture and Agri-Food February 24th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, I know how hard the situation has been for our farmers this year and 2019 was also very difficult. The rail blockages are making it even more difficult. I work on that on a constant basis with my colleagues, because it is really important.
However, it was also important to spend 24 hours in Washington with my colleagues from the United States, Mexico and Argentina to talk about and to make sure that we have international trade based on science and based on rules.
Agriculture and Agri-Food February 24th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, I know that this is a very serious situation for producers, processors and exporters in the agri-food sector across the country. I am monitoring this issue very closely with my colleagues on the ground.
I also believe it is important to spend 24 hours in Washington with our American, Mexican and Argentinian counterparts to talk about the importance of international trade based on rules and science.
Agriculture and Agri-Food February 7th, 2020
Madam Speaker, farmers deserve our greatest appreciation. They care for our environment. They care for their animals. They are a source of inspiration.
Our government has ambitious plans for agriculture, such as reaching $75 billion in exports by 2025, finalizing compensation for supply management, improving business risk management programs and empowering women and youth in agriculture.
I invite all Canadians to celebrate Canada's Agriculture Day on Tuesday, February 11.
Carbon Pricing February 7th, 2020
Madam Speaker, I can assure you that we are working closely with producers, their representatives and our provincial colleagues to get the right mechanisms in place so our farmers can farm sustainably.
We have already made adjustments and created exemptions to the pollution tax for fuel used by farmers on farms. We are still looking at various mechanisms, but everyone understands that we also need a long-term vision for our planet, and that is what we are developing with them. We know 2019 was an extremely difficult year for producers, and that is why we are helping them.
Carbon Pricing February 7th, 2020
Madam Speaker, we definitely do not neglect our farmers. We care for them, and we really care for them. This is why we are working so closely to find the best solution to support them, for sustainable agriculture.
We have taken measures concerning the price on pollution because we know that the rural community and farmers do have to pay differently. We have given them exemptions on gas on farms, and Cardlock for their use of gas on farms.
We understand their special challenges and we are working to improve other programs as well.
Carbon Pricing February 7th, 2020
Madam Speaker, we are well aware of what is going on in the agricultural sector this year.
Last year was awful, both weather-wise and on the international trade front. That is why I am working closely with our provincial colleagues and industry representatives to find the best solutions and mechanisms that will help agricultural producers across the country deal with this difficult situation.
We need to look toward the future and make the kinds of choices and investments that will ensure the sustainability of our agricultural system.
Agriculture and Agri-food February 6th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, the government is sensitive to the concerns of Canadian farmers, and particularly dairy farmers. We have created various programs to help farmers and investors.
I am obviously very disappointed to learn that a large company like Saputo will be shutting down some facilities. Naturally, my thoughts are with the workers affected and their families. We will see what we are able to do.