Agriculture committee  As you indicated, Mr. MacGregor, this is a very polarized issue across Canada, and certainly one we've been well aware of for a long time. From a CFIA perspective, the federal perspective, we have measures in place currently to make sure all animal health and welfare standards a

Agriculture committee  As you noted, we shared a draft document at the technical level—a scientific document, a pathway analysis—with our colleagues in the U.S. This is something that is normally done. It is normal practice among technical experts between countries who share information back and forth—

Agriculture committee  The incorrect information that you mentioned was corrected. We noticed that error and it was fixed immediately. As I indicated, colleagues in the U.S. know that this is a draft document that could change over time, and it builds on information we have already shared with the U.S.

Agriculture committee  I would note that there were two detections, but the implications of those two detections on two fields actually then entail a very lengthy investigation that right now involves up to 300 fields. That is why, from a science perspective, and further to our domestic and internati

Agriculture committee  Thank you for the question. I will have to provide you with the details later.

Agriculture committee  We have been very focused on a collaborative relationship with industry. As the regulator, we work very closely with industry members, and in some instances actually co-develop regulatory approaches with them to make sure we are facilitating innovation and flexibility and meeting

Agriculture committee  The answer to your question has two parts. The discussions concerned are extremely technical and scientific. All are based on scientific advice and risk assessments. The first part, for us, is opening the border back up to table stock potatoes. That issue needs to be dealt with

Agriculture committee  Thank you.

Agriculture committee  We don't have a specific timetable, but in our view, making progress on the issue of table stock potatoes and getting the border reopened is absolutely crucial and urgent, because we see no risk with respect to potato wart.

Agriculture committee  In our experience with U.S. federal orders, they can't be changed. We have never had a situation where we've been able to get the decision rescinded. As you pointed out, the fact that we control the temporary suspension will make it easier to reopen the border.

Agriculture committee  We consider the process to be effective. That is why the ministerial order issued by Ms. Bibeau, the minister, still authorizes the movement of washed potatoes from P.E.I. throughout Canada. Not only are the potatoes washed, but they are also treated with a sprout inhibitor, as

Agriculture committee  That's correct.

Agriculture committee  Thank you for your question. As you mentioned, it's virtually impossible to have a U.S. federal order rescinded. Our approach vis-à-vis the U.S. is to engage in technical discussions based on science and the measures we've taken to mitigate the risk, with the goal of reopening t

Agriculture committee  Thank you for your question. As a representative of the agency, I can't comment on broader trade issues with the U.S. I can, however, assure you that, if we hadn't made the decision to temporarily suspend exports, the U.S. would have closed the border to seed and table stock po

Agriculture committee  Thank you for your question.