Mr. Speaker, that is not reassuring. Supply management is not negotiable because it is essential to the survival—
House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2021, with 33% of the vote.
International Trade February 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, that is not reassuring. Supply management is not negotiable because it is essential to the survival—
Agriculture and Agri-Food February 1st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, since 2006, over 22,000 family farms have disappeared. This is a very sad part of the Conservatives' record. While small and medium-sized farms are struggling, the Conservatives continue to attack risk management programs.
The NDP believes that it is time to create a national food strategy in order to secure the economic future of family farms and rural communities.
Will the Conservatives finally play a real leadership role in the protection of family farms and seasonal industries, which are the heart of Canada's economy?
Agriculture and Agri-Food January 30th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the minister can say what he likes, but the reality is that the new packaging policy will result in American products flooding our markets, which in turn will lead to the closure of many food processing plants.
Political stakeholders are calling for the Conservatives to reverse this decision, which is bad for Canadian farmers and the entire food industry.
It is surprising that the lobbyists' favourite is refusing to listen to experts, entrepreneurs and local communities.
Will the minister reverse his decision to protect our jobs?
Food Safety November 30th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, here are the facts. CFIA officials and the minister attended committee and downplayed serious food safety issues.
The minister refuses to detail his planned cuts to CFIA, and when faced with the cold, hard truth of the memo, what does he do? He denies everything. Canadians are worried about the food they put on their tables, and the minister is not helping to reassure families. When will he hand the food safety portfolio over to somebody who can fix his mess?
Food Safety November 30th, 2012
We will never support these ridiculous cuts to food safety, and neither should the minister.
For four long years, these directives were followed by inspectors at XL Foods, the same plant that was behind the largest meat recall in Canadian history. All this under the watch of this minister, and he has the audacity to blame us.
The Weatherill report recommended an independent assessment of the CFIA. Why is the minister rejecting our requests for this key assessment?
Food Safety November 29th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, the truth is that the minister has no idea what is going on in his department. He has lost control of his department and refuses to accept the consequences of the budget cuts. It is no surprise that Canadians have lost all confidence in him.
How many recalls and lives at risk will it take for the Prime Minister to tell us whether he approves of how the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is handling this file?
Food Safety November 29th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, the CFIA memo said, and I quote, “Our number 1 priority is to ensure this standard is met with Japan eligible carcasses”.
We have a serious problem when food inspection depends on what country the meat is sold to.
Why is the agency's priority not ensuring the health and safety of Canadians? Why is the meat sold to Canadians lower in quality than what is sold to Japan?
Empire Shirt November 26th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, Empire Shirt, a company from my riding, approached me to share its concerns about the Tailored Collar Shirts Remission Order. This order is very important for the survival of companies like Empire Shirt, which has been in business for over a century.
This order enables the company to keep a high percentage of its production at its Louiseville factory instead of importing it, which benefits the region's economy and provides jobs. The Conservatives are saying that this program costs too much, but why not look at a better way to manage the program to benefit the companies that really need it? This way, the program would be much less expensive and would be sustainable.
On behalf of Empire Shirt, its employees and other business in my region, I urge the government to maintain this program that will expire on December 31, 2012. This is a perfect opportunity to take real action to save Canadian jobs.
Safe Food for Canadians Act November 19th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, my colleague's speech was powerful and moving. He is always a pleasure to listen to and his points are very valid. I find it hard sometimes being heckled and laughed at by the Conservatives. It is not always a fun thing.
Could my colleague speak to ministerial responsibility, what happened with XL Foods and what happened afterward?
I found there was a huge lack of transparency and communication on the part of the government. Could my colleague elaborate on how important it is to be transparent, honest and open, especially when it comes to the safety of Canadians every day?
Safe Food for Canadians Act November 19th, 2012
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.
In Canada, we have strict rules. Our food safety system is good, but without a doubt nothing is perfect in life. In light of what happened at XL Foods, I believe that there was a problem at the plant, a problem at CFIA and perhaps also a problem with the number of inspectors. There were a number of problems. However, it is obvious that there was a lack of transparency. We do not know what happened. I believe we have lessons to learn from what happened at XL Foods. We can do better. It was an important lesson. So why not accept our amendments in order to do better?
Our food safety system is good, but we want it to be better. The opposition members are the only ones speaking today. I believe we had a few questions from the Conservatives, which is good, but why are they not talking about this important bill?
If this is a concern for them, I would like them to talk about this important food safety bill that affects all Canadians.