Taxation  Mr. Speaker, I have to say that our farmers across the country are very aware of the importance of addressing climate change. What is most important to them is their land. They are the first to be affected by extreme weather conditions such as the drought in western Canada last year and flooding.

Agriculture committee  I think we will keep working together while we are developing this new fund. I was wondering if we could also, in some cases, use the clean tech program, but anyway, we will be consulting you while we develop the new fund.

Agriculture committee  My answer will be brief. I know that Ms. Qualtrough is working on a major reform of the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, and that this will be given consideration.

Agriculture committee  In terms of foreign labour, Ms. Qualtrough is working to facilitate the process. You also know that for economic immigration, Quebec bears some of the responsibility. Canada and Quebec have to be more open. On the question of small slaughterhouses, some fall under provincial jurisdiction and others under federal jurisdiction.

Agriculture committee  The initiative has to come from the private sector.

Agriculture committee  I'm sure you know about the food waste challenges that are already ongoing. We have passed the first wave, let's say. We have selected, across the four different challenges, about 44 semifinalists, if I remember, who are moving forward with the development of either their business model or a technology.

Agriculture committee  The current objective is to adopt a code of conduct that would be followed voluntarily. The interested parties and industry representatives have sat around the same table to discuss it and there has been progress. We have also offered them administrative support to facilitate the process.

Agriculture committee  This is something we are looking at, obviously, in partnership with Minister Joly and Minister Ng. The Asian zone and the countries that are part of the CPTPP are definitely the next zone we are looking at. I cannot be very much more precise at this point yet, unless you want to turn to my deputy.

Agriculture committee  I can tell you that I would appreciate more diversity—diversifying our markets—because we know that when we depend too much on one market, it could be at risk. Developing markets in trusted countries would definitely be helpful for that sector. We have so many opportunities.

Agriculture committee  Of course. Once again, different countries are working differently regarding this. I really believe that CFIA has a strong reputation internationally. We are delivering what we say we are delivering, and Canada can be looked at as a trusted partner. I would appreciate development in new markets and to be less dependent....

Agriculture committee  Thank you for the question. In Quebec, yes, the percentage of hirees who can be foreign workers has risen from 10% to 20%. When workers initiate the process of applying for permanent residence, they are no longer considered to be part of that percentage. So that gives us some leeway.

Agriculture committee  Well, farmers are taking care of the land forever—for generations—and this is what they have that's most precious. I think they get it. They are the first to be impacted by extreme weather events. I can tell you that through the associations, they really get it. They are working hard, and I really feel that they want to be part of the solution.

Agriculture committee  I would not say that funding has been cancelled. In fact, it had been established for a certain period, at the end of which it was to be reviewed. Certainly, the organic sector has a positive impact on the environment. There are a number of good practices that can be adopted, and they may go so far as total adherence to organic production.

Agriculture committee  My colleague, Minister O'Regan, is in Calgary right now, following the situation. They are still negotiating in the presence of the federal mediators. I can assure you that I am sharing with Minister O'Regan the reality of the impact this labour dispute has on the ag sector. It is very significant, and it has added to all the pressure we already had on our food supply chain because of COVID.

Agriculture committee  It's the same as I keep saying with Minister Regan. We have this conversation with Minister Joly as well. We want to be strongly supporting Ukraine, as you know, taking into consideration what we need and what Canada can do to feed the world.