Agriculture committee  I understand that the organic sector has concerns, but the vast majority of the agricultural sector in this country is delighted with our announcement. The grain and seed sector has made giant strides. The traceability database is going to be complete and significantly more detailed.

Agriculture committee  Representatives of the organic sector sit on the advisory committee that will do the monitoring. I think that's a solid guarantee. If the committee discovers any flaws in the system, action will be taken. I have faith in the committee, because there are already several standards applied by the sector.

Agriculture committee  I understand the situation very well. I'm following the file very closely with Mr. Lamontagne, but things must be done in order. It's premature for me to confirm any measures the federal government might take.

Agriculture committee  The first 10 shipments of chickens, from each company, are tested thoroughly and comprehensively. In addition, when a container is revealed to contain substandard chickens, we test fifteen shipments. I believe that after three instances of non-compliance, the company is rejected.

Agriculture committee  It went very well. I was in Japan not so long ago, and in Singapore. I had the chance to discuss it with my counterparts, with the representative of Canadian businesses over there and with buyers of Canadian agricultural and agri-food products. They were all very excited about that.

Agriculture committee  I've been there, and I've seen and heard what they want. The Japanese, for example, want more Canadian products. They trust our system. They know that we offer high-quality products, so we have a closer relationship. In Japan, our Canadian ambassador has been named as special envoy to the Prime Minister.

Agriculture committee  I'm following the situation closely, to be sure. I had a long talk with Minister Lamontagne yesterday. The plant closure was a business decision, but I understand how stressful it is for workers and farmers. The situation at Olymel is serious, and we are looking at how we can provide support.

Agriculture committee  I understand your concerns, and I have to tell you that I share them. I also understand the stress on farmers and the people who work at the plant. I repeat, it was a business decision. The first response has to come from the province, so Quebec in this case. I have to let the people in the industry do their jobs.

Agriculture committee  There's already Quebec's farm income stabilization insurance program, or ASRA. The program I meant to refer to earlier was the regional slaughterhouse competitiveness support program, or PACAR. That program, administered by Quebec and 60% funded by the federal government, helps companies in cases such as plant takeovers.

Agriculture committee  First I want to say that our commitment was to protect the system and to compensate, and we've done what we said. The compensation has all been announced. Now, our commitment is different. Our commitment is not to allow any additional share in any other trade agreements. I can assure you that supply-managed products will not be on the table in any way in our discussions with India.

Agriculture committee  As you know, when you're in government you have to make a list of priorities that will impact Canadians—

Agriculture committee  It takes a lot of time in the House, in the parliamentary agenda.

Agriculture committee  We were not against it, but it did not get the priority spot, so we'll do that with a private member's bill, and at the end of the day it will be good for our farmers.

Agriculture committee  You're right, and COVID has shown us even more how depending on two big ones, the beef industry and a few more, and the pork industry, makes us more vulnerable. That's why it has been identified as a priority in the sustainable Canadian agricultural partnership. If you look at the Guelph statement, you will see that the supply chain is there.

Agriculture committee  It's always tricky to give an exact date, as you know. I think we can reasonably expect the program to launch in the fall. That's an approximate time frame, because it's important to note that we are still in talks. I don't want to set a date that's unrealistic. We have to work with members of the industry on designing the program.