Finance committee  We would say that the single-desk aspect of the Canadian Wheat Board empowers Canadian farmers in the marketplace. But a single-desk monopoly also has to be relevant in today's environment, so whatever flexibility needs to be created within that single-desk monopoly is something

Finance committee  On the question about the Canadian Wheat Board, the CFA has been on record for a long time that farmers need all the tools possible to empower themselves in the marketplace. To the extent that there are farmers who believe the Canadian Wheat Board does this, we believe that the m

Finance committee  As you know, the industry was dragged kicking and screaming to the table when companion programs were eliminated. That meant that for every 60¢ the federal government put into agriculture in a province, the province was required to contribute 40¢. The problem was that when the AP

Finance committee  Yes, and similar examples could be used. We would very much support that as well.

Finance committee  Thank you. First of all, CAIS is a margin-based program. We've had a long period of very low prices, especially in the grains and oilseeds sector, so it has reduced margins on the farm. Because the amount of money you can trigger in the claim year is based on your historical mar

Finance committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, and thank you very much for the invitation. I would also like to applaud this year's theme, which is Canada's place in a competitive world, because that fits really well with where the Canadian Federation of Agriculture is trying to move the enti

International Trade committee  We definitely think that patience should prevail. Rather than making hasty decisions in trying to meet a deadline, they should take their time and make sure it's a good deal that does in fact create fair and equitable trade rules.

International Trade committee  I couldn't agree with you more. In fact, a while ago, one of our officials said we shouldn't give up too much for someone saying we'll eliminate export subsidies, because they were headed in that direction anyway. You're absolutely right that some of the money the U.S. flowed, at

International Trade committee  It's a lot higher than the U.S.

International Trade committee  I'll talk about the EU spending again. The problem with the EU is that some time ago they moved 60% of their amber spending into green box spending. They consider that to be a reduction in domestic support; they are just flowing it in a different way that is defined as being non-

International Trade committee  Thank you, Mr. Easter. Some of it may have been touched on, but when it comes to market access improvement there are many different ways to improve market access, and eliminating tariff escalation is one. But you're right, there are times when TRQs are better than a gratuitous r

International Trade committee  I'll get Mr. Shauf to answer that.

International Trade committee  Thank you. I don't think we should talk about what we're willing to give up; that undermines our negotiators. I think they have to continue to fight to the wall, and the decision, again, will have to be made on the last day. I can tell you what I'm afraid we might not achieve.

International Trade committee  Thank you. Win-win would be significant market access improvement for exporters, profitable market access, and market access that makes a real difference. A win-win deal is one that would ensure that supply management in Canada is recognized for the transparent market access com

International Trade committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. First of all, even if Canada would get up tomorrow and announce that they were giving up supply management, it wouldn't give them any more during these negotiations, because as I said earlier, countries are negotiating for the best interests of their own a