Ruth Ellen Brosseau

[Dairy Industry, May 11th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, everyone seems to understand the need for urgent action on the diafiltered milk issue except the Liberal government.

Yesterday Agropur announced that it would stop using diafiltered milk, and dairy farmers have once again criticized the government for its failure to act. The Liberal government should be ashamed. The minister called it an emotional issue for farmers. It is an economic issue, because farmers are losing millions of dollars.

When will the Liberal government finally take action and when will the Minister of Agriculture start doing his job?

[Dairy Industry, May 10th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, last week, the Liberals voted against the NDP's motion to immediately resolve the problem of diafiltered milk. Instead, the government proudly announced that it was going to spend the next 30 days conducting more consultations with producers and the industry. The industry has lost $18 million. More consultations, no action, and no promise to really solve the problem of diafiltered milk.

Can the minister reassure producers and promise to finally solve the problem of diafiltered milk in the next 25 days?

[Budget Implementation Act, 2016, No. 1., May 10th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his speech in the House today.

In his remarks, he talked about the budget and the importance of supporting seniors and young people. However, the budget tabled by the Liberal government makes no mention whatsoever of agriculture, and yet we all know how important agriculture is to the Canadian economy.

The previous Conservative government had promised funding, specifically $4.3 billion in compensation for the dairy and poultry industries in light of certain trade agreements. This compensation is really important.

However, the budget tabled by the Liberal government makes no mention whatsoever of agriculture or compensation for those industries.

I would like the member for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin to comment on that.

[International Trade, May 5th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we know that the trans-Pacific partnership will have serious consequences for Canada. We are talking about losing 60,000 jobs and our sovereignty. The arguments against the partnership continue to mount.

This morning, at the Standing Committee on International Trade, Jim Balsillie, said that under the trans-Pacific partnership, the best thing that a Canadian technology company could do is to move to the United States.

Is the government refusing to release an economic impact study on the trans-Pacific partnership precisely because there are so many problems with the agreement?

[Dairy Industry, May 3rd, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, since early this morning, because of the Liberal government's inaction, a few hundred dairy farmers have decided to set up a blockade in front of a dairy processing plant in Montreal. The producers' spontaneous demonstration shows that they really are at the end of their rope. This government's inaction is simply causing a crisis that is escalating. This could have been avoided. The only party responsible in this matter is the federal government, because it is still not enforcing the compositional standards for cheese.

The government has been telling us for months and weeks that it is in the process of consulting and speaking with the industry. However, we know what the solution is. It is simple, it costs nothing, and it can be applied right away. We know that the government will unfortunately vote against the NDP motion, but I sincerely urge the government to act today and enforce the Canadian standards. Let us stop diafiltered milk.

[The Environment, April 22nd, 2016]

Madam Speaker, the fight against climate change is the greatest challenge of this century. We have a moral duty to exhaust all appropriate means of addressing this issue.

Rhetoric, pretty pictures, and inaction are no longer enough. Young people are counting on all of us in the House to take action and get this done.

Can the Prime Minister explain to young people and children how he will meet the Paris targets when he has no plan to do so? Will this be yet another fiasco like Kyoto?

[The Environment, April 22nd, 2016]

Madam Speaker, sadly, there are no answers and just more hot air from the Liberals on climate change. While the NDP government in Alberta is making strides, the lack of federal action leaves us failing to live up to our international commitments.

The new report from the Conference Board gives Canada a D when it comes to protecting the environment, trailing far, far behind other countries. Canadians cherish our environment, and it is part of our identity. When will the Liberals make actual progress on our commitment to review the process?

[Business of Supply, April 21st, 2016]

Madam Speaker, there has been a lot of great debate in the House today. I am happy we are having it. However, farmers need action now. They are tired of promises. They are tired of talking about consultation and the work that is being done. We all know the solution. It will not cost anything. It just means the government has to do its job. I am sorry, but you guys have to stand up for Canadian farmers and ensure they have a livelihood and a future.

Therefore, could the hon. member talk about the importance of the government working and standing up for Canadian farmers? It is something that it has to do.

[Business of Supply, April 21st, 2016]

Madam Speaker, I thank my Liberal colleague for moving an amendment to the motion we are debating here today.

Unfortunately, the amendment proposed by the member opposite waters down our motion too much. Therefore, I cannot accept my colleague's amendment.

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

Mr. Speaker, today, hundreds of dairy producers are with us in the House.

These producers from Mauricie, Lanaudière, Montérégie, and the Outaouais came to the House to demand that the government keep its word and resolve the problem of diafiltered milk once and for all.

The longer the government waits to take action, the greater the economic hardship in the regions. Dairy producers have been mobilizing for months and years, and the NDP is standing with them.

However, the government continues to drag its feet, despite its fine, empty promises. They will say anything.

Today, we are calling on the government to take action—