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 det

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

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 th

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 e

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 pro

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

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 c

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

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 t

Agriculture committee  Yes, I realize that you're talking about supply-managed sectors. As you know, we strongly condemn Russia's attack against Ukraine, so we want to impose whatever sanctions we can. You also know what a staunch defender of supply management I am, and I will continue to keep a very c