COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Chair, we are aware of the challenges facing the agriculture sector right now, and this includes producers, ranchers and processors. This is one of the reasons we injected an additional $5 billion into Farm Credit Canada. Furthermore, $2 billion has been granted in loans so

COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Chair, in the case of small businesses in the agriculture and fishing sectors, it is true that there are situations where business owners do not give themselves a salary. They pay themselves through surpluses and dividends. It is on a case-by-case basis, but the rules are c

COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Chair, I can assure you that we are working very closely with producers in all sectors, including greenhouse operators and processors. We are looking at various options to help them depending on the specific challenges they face. As everyone knows, we have already implemen

COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Chair, again, I am in contact with farmers, processors, and retailers every day. I am well aware of the situation. We have formed working groups. We are looking at what might be the best programs, the best options to help them. Obviously, they might already be benefiting fr

Agriculture and Agri-Food  Mr. Speaker, I can assure members that we are with the farmers. I am speaking to farmers, food processors and retailers every day. Yes, we have put in place some additional measures through FCC, and more than $2 billion has been given in terms of loans to support them with thei

Agriculture and Agri-Food  Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to meet with extraordinary people last week in Nova Scotia. Hope Blooms is one of the first organizations to receive funding from the local food infrastructure fund. With this funding, it will build eight new cooking stations. This will help an addition

Agriculture and Agri-Food  Mr. Speaker, I know that the cold weather and trade, among other things, contributed to a very difficult 2019 for our farmers. Our farmers have access to a wide range of risk management programs. I urge them to participate in these programs every year and to make use of them whe

Agriculture and Agri-Food  Mr. Speaker, accessing processing facilities is crucial for our farmers and ranchers to access the value chain. We understand that the closure of this meat processing plant in Ontario has a significant impact on our cattle producers, but we cannot compromise on food safety. Our g

Agriculture and Agri-Food  Mr. Speaker, we made significant modifications to the advance payments program last year. It is an important program for our farmers. I can assure the member that we are working closely with the APP administrator. If they come to me and ask for such a request, I will take it very

Agriculture and Agri-Food  Mr. Speaker, I will be very pleased and open to evaluate such a request when it comes to me. I have already told the House many times that I am also very committed to improving the business risk management programs. Should I remind my colleagues that they cut $400 million from

Agriculture and Agri-Food  Mr. Speaker, we understand the pressure our farmers are facing following this tough year. That is why we have improved the advance payments program. We are in close contact with the APP administrator to monitor the evolving needs of farmers. I can assure the member that I will d

Agriculture and Agri-Food  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform you that 240 projects were approved under the first stream of the local food infrastructure fund. These projects will help more Canadians access good food, which is the goal of our food policy. Other projects will be approved soon, and a secon

Carbon Pricing  Mr. Speaker, I know how concerned our farmers are about all the stress factors they have been dealing with, including bad weather in 2019, international trade, and issues stemming from the rail blockades. I understand the situation, and that is why we created a suite of risk man

Agriculture and Agri-Food  Mr. Speaker, I can do two things at the same time. I can be supporting my farmers here in Canada, and I can also be supporting and defending international trade based on rules and science.

Agriculture and Agri-Food  Mr. Speaker, I know that this is a very serious situation for producers, processors and exporters in the agri-food sector across the country. I am monitoring this issue very closely with my colleagues on the ground. I also believe it is important to spend 24 hours in Washington