Table of Contents
Compensation for dairy industry
When do you plan to pay a second installment of compensation? How much compensation are you going to pay for the fiscal year ending March 31?
Value statement - Compensation for dairy industry
The Government has delivered on its commitment to provide full and fair compensation to dairy farmers for the impacts of Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
- $1.4 billion over next 3 years
- $468 million by March 31, 2021
- $469 million in 2021-22
- $468 million in 2022-23
- $2 billion total compensation
Take away - Compensation for dairy industry
The Government remains committed to engaging the dairy sector on full and fair compensation for the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement and processors of supply managed products.
Compensation for supply-managed sectors
Egg and poultry producers have received nothing, processors either. They need an announcement soon because what they want is modernization programs. Those programs need to be started up. What can you say in response to them today?
Value statement - Compensation for supply-managed sectors
The Government has taken important steps to deliver on its commitment to provide full and fair compensation to poultry and egg producers for the impacts of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
- $691 million for Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership 10-year programs
- Funding based on based on producers' projected income losses
- On-Farm Investment Program
- Market development activities
- Will consult with industry on program design
- Programming expected to start early 2021-22
- To date, no impact on poultry and egg producers under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
Take away - Compensation for supply-managed sectors
The Government remains committed to engaging the poultry and egg sector on full and fair compensation for the Canada- United States-Mexico Agreement, and to processors of supply managed products.
Compensation for processors
What does the federal government actually mean when it commits to providing “full and fair” support for Canada's dairy, poultry and egg processors?
Value statement - Compensation for processors
Since the ratification of the trade agreements, the Government has been attentive to the needs of processors and has taken on board their views on issues such as the allocation of Tariff Rate Quotas.
- Invested $100 million through the Dairy Processing Investment Fund
- Dairy Processing Investment Fund helps improves productivity and competitiveness, and adjust to the market changes
- Priority is to improve processor productivity and competitiveness
- Will engage with the four national poultry and egg organizations to ensure that program parameters meet the needs and expectations of our farmers.
- Will ensure that the recommendations of the Poultry Working Group issued in April 2019 will be taken into account in program development
Take away - Compensation for processors
The Government remains committed to supporting processors of supply managed products for their market impacts.
Dairy market access
How much dairy market access was conceded under free trade agreements?
Value statement - Dairy market access
The Government has been very clear: we will provide no more market access to our supply managed sectors in any future trade agreement.
- Canada has established a number of new dairy tariff rate quotas: 2 in Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, 16 in Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and 14 in Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
- Canada's combined dairy market access commitments under the World Trade Organization, Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement tariff rate quotas, once implemented, is estimated to be equivalent to approximately 10% of Canada's annual milk production. Limited market access (10%)
- Gradually phased-in
- Canadian farmers still main suppliers
- Full and fair compensation
- No more access
- Study Private Member's Bill C-216 carefully
Take away - Dairy market access
Canadian producers will continue to supply the vast majority of the Canadian market. The Government has been clear that there will be no more concessions on supply management in future trade negotiations.
Poultry and eggs market access
How much poultry and egg market access was conceded under Free Trade Agreements?
Value statement - Poultry and eggs market access
There have been no imports of poultry and egg products under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership to date. We expect there may be imports once Chile's ratification is complete, or when other countries accede to the agreement, or when they get the necessary food safety import authorizations.
For 2020, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement chicken and egg tariff rate quotas are filled.
- Canada established 6 new tariff rate quotas for poultry and eggs since 2018:
- 4 in Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
- 2 in Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement
- No Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership imports but future imports are possible
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership compensation announced, which corresponds with industry requests
- No more access
Take away - Poultry and eggs market access
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement did not increase market access for chicken and broiler hatching eggs and chicks.
- Canada established 6 new tariff rate quotas for poultry and eggs since 2018:
Canola market access
What is the Government of Canada doing to restore full market access for canola to China?
Value statement - Canola market access
Our government continues to work through all available bilateral and multilateral channels to reinstate the two suspended companies and restore full market access for canola seed exports to China.
- Regaining full market access remains a top priority
- 2020 Exports to China (January-September)
- $976 million 52% increase compared to same period in 2019 ($642 million)
- Market diversification efforts- canola seed exports increase to the Middle East, South Asia and Europe.
- Continue technical level engagement to regain full access
Take away - Canola market access
We remain committed to restoring market access for the companies that continue to be blocked from exporting canola seed to China.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada COVID-19 measures
Value statement - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada COVID-19 measures
We are targeting support to some of the most critical challenges facing the food supply chain at the moment, helping to cover extraordinary costs and address food security concerns.
To support our food producers and processors:
- $125 million National AgriRecovery Initiative, including set-asides for cattle and hog management
- $50 million to help with costs for temporary foreign workers and an additional $35 million to improve on-farm health and safety
- $5 billion in additional lending capacity for Farm Credit Canada and a $100 million Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund
- Extended Advance Payments Program loan deadlines
- $9.2 million to fund youth jobs in the sector
- $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund for food processors
- Expanded Canadian Dairy Commission borrowing capacity by $200 million
- $20 million for CFIA food inspection services
To support food security we have invested:
- $50 million Surplus Food Purchase program
- $200 million to local food organizations
Take away - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada COVID-19 measures
I will continue to work with provinces and territories as well as industry to ensure farmers and others in the sector get the help and support they need.
Retail fees
I am just wondering if you have followed up with the Competition Bureau as to whether or not they are investigating the grocery giants' practices, as the Prime Minister has indicated. Will you take the lead with your counterparts to help them develop this and release a code of conduct?
Value statement - Retail fees
Our government continues to work with the sector and provincial and territorial governments to identify lasting solutions to ensure Canada's supply chain remains strong.
- The Competition Act is enforced independently and confidentially by the Competition Bureau
- Competition Bureau does not have legislation for codes of conduct
- Working group on retail fees will evaluate options at federal and provincial levels
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will co-chair with Quebec
- Call on industry to actively contribute
Take away - Retail fees
We are committed to ensuring Canada has the appropriate conditions for all supply chain partners to prosper. The working group will begin as soon as possible in order to propose concrete actions for Ministers by next July.
Business risk management programs negotiations
We've heard from many stakeholders that the current suite of business risk management programs is not working. Would you commit to working with the provinces to find a way to make some of these changes happen if they aren't able to put in their 40% share?
Value statement - Business risk management programs negotiations
The federal government tabled a proposal currently being considered by the provinces and territories to make immediate enhancements to AgriStability.
- Federal Government proposed to remove the Reference Margin Limit
- Federal Government also proposed increasing the AgriStability compensation rate from 70%, up to 80%
- Could be in place as early as the 2020 season
- Business Risk Management programs are cost-shared, require consensus between the Government of Canada and a majority of provinces and territories
Take away - Business risk management programs negotiations
The Government proposed enhancements to AgriStability to provincial and territorial partners and is giving them time to reflect and respond. The Government of Canada wants change in the short term and will work hard to deliver this for Canadian farmers.
Fall economic statement
Support for Agriculture
Value statement - Fall economic statement
The Fall Economic Statement demonstrates the government's ongoing commitment to helping producers and agricultural businesses succeed and grow.
- $1.4 billion to dairy producers
- $691 million for poultry and egg producer
- $34.4 million for the extension of the Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program until the end of March 2021
- $98.4 million new Natural Climate Solutions for Agriculture Fund
- $575.3 million for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy over the next two years, of which $21.4 million will be for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Program for 2021-22. This will bring the total number of job placements through Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to approximately 45,300, including over 1400 through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Program.
- Extension of tax deferral for another 5 years to help agricultural cooperatives and their members.
Take away - Fall economic statement
Work is underway to ensure these positive announcements impact the sector as soon as possible. In addition, many economy- wide measures were introduced that will also benefit the agriculture and agri-food sector.
Fall economic statement and natural climate solutions
Fall Economic Statement and Natural Climate Solutions
Value statement - Fall economic statement and natural climate solutions
The new Natural Climate Solutions for Agriculture fund will support the sector's actions on climate change through the adoption of beneficial management practices that sequester carbon and procure environmental co-benefits.
- $98.4 million over ten years, starting in 2021-2022
- Will leverage $85 million in existing programming
Take away - Fall economic statement and natural climate solutions
A new Canadian Agri-Environmental Strategy will be developed in collaboration with partners to outline a comprehensive agri-environmental vision for the sector.
Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
What are you doing to make sure that the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act becomes a reality here in Canada?
Value statement - Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
The Government supports Canada's fruit and vegetable industry, and our system provides for a single dispute resolution body to resolve incidents where fresh produce sellers do not receive payments they are owed. We continue to engage with industry to support resolution of disputes.
- Insolvency losses: <0.1% of total sales
- Safe Food for Canadians Act
- Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation ensures adherence
- Continued Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act access in United States.
- Broader policy implications on the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
- Ongoing dialogue with Canadian Horticulture Council/Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Take away - Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
The fresh produce industry has been invited to provide compelling evidence of significant or widespread harm - which has not yet been fully demonstrated - and to identify other potential options that might help to address financial protection for produce sellers.
Concentration of meat plants
Does the federal government regard the concentration of meat plants as a threat to food security? Is it part of its strategic plan going forward? Is it going to be a big part of trying to diversify those operations?
Value statement - Concentration of meat plants
Concentration of meat plants is not a threat to food security. Canada's meat production far exceeds domestic demand.
- Processors resilient during COVID-19
- Beef processors committed to servicing the domestic market
- Stringent worker health and safety measures
- Processing disruptions faced by small and large processors
- Emergency Processing Fund there to help them
- Large processors work at a scale that helps make products and food systems affordable
- But we support smaller regional food operations as well – for example, under Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Local Food Infrastructure Fund
Take away - Concentration of meat plants
Concentration is not a direct threat to food security. Although challenged, processors continue to provide sufficient food during COVID-19.
Interprovincial food trade
There are different standards and qualifications to bring meat across provincial borders and it's one of the reasons why we are having a bit of a capacity issue. Do you have a list of non-tariff trade barriers?
Value statement - Interprovincial food trade
In order to sell meat inter-provincially, a federal licence is required under the Safe Food for Canadians Act.
- Interprovincial trade falls under federal jurisdiction
- The Safe Food for Canadian Regulations make it easier to trade interprovincially
- Provincial requirements do not always align with federal regulations Canada's food safety system is based on international standards
- Key to Canada's competitive export advantage
Take away - Interprovincial food trade
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is working with provinces and territories on finding ways to improve interprovincial trade.
Standards for imported food
Producers, particularly producers of supply managed products, are concerned with the quality of the products that enter Canada. What are you doing to make sure imported products meet the same standards as domestic products?
Value statement - Standards for imported food
The Government of Canada is committed to food safety and to protecting Canadians from food-related illnesses.
- imported food must comply with federal food requirements
- Safe Food for Canadians Act and the Food and Drugs Act both apply
- Importer licences and food safety plans required
- Oversight: pre-border (audits), at border (verifications) and post- border (inspection/testing)
Take away - Standards for imported food
Imported food must meet the same safety requirements as domestic food, including those under supply management. Any concerns should be directed to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Emergency response plan for the food system
Going into COVID-19, did Canada have an emergency response plan for the food system? Are steps being taken to have the food system prepared for such another disaster should it come?
Value statement - Emergency response plan for the food system
We are targeting support to some of the most critical challenges facing the food supply chain at the moment, helping to cover extraordinary costs and address food security concerns.
Support for food producers and processors:
- Farm Credit Canada - $5 billion additional lending, $100 million - Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund
- $125 million - National AgriRecovery Initiative
- Expanded Canadian Dairy Commission borrowing by $200 million
- $20 million - Canadian Food Inspection Agency - food inspection Support for food security:
- $50 million Surplus Food Purchase program
- $200 million to local food organizations
Take away - Emergency response plan for the food system
The federal government is there every step of the way, working with provinces and territories, and the business community, to ensure Canadians continue to have access to safe and nutritious food on their grocery store shelves and kitchen tables.
Labour / temporary foreign workers
We need to ensure our farmers have the workers that they need. Will you commit to working with them to ensure that they can get to work right away?
Value statement - Labour / temporary foreign workers
Attracting and retaining Canadian and foreign workers, while ensuring their health and safety, is critical to our food security.
- Interdepartmental task team formed to facilitate the safe entry
- Working closely with provinces on worker health and safety.
- $35 million to improve health and safety on farms and prevent spread of COVID- 19.
- $50 million+34.4 million more for isolation costs extended to March 31, 2021.
- $77.5 million to safeguard health and safety of agri-food workers.
- As of November 2020, about 85% of arrivals compared to same period last year.
- Consultations on minimum federal accommodation requirements for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program underway and launched a survey for employers
- Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
- “Step up to the plate”
- $3.4 billion federal-provincial-territorial Labour Market Development Agreements and Workforce Development Agreements, plus $1.5 billion Workforce Development Agreements one-year top up, could address skills and employment challenges
Take away - Labour / temporary foreign workers
Will continue to work with partners at all levels for the 2021 season to ensure farmers and food processors have the workforce needed to ensure that planting, harvesting and processing activities can take place across the country.
Emergency Processing Fund
Why is the processing fund only set at $77.5 million, which is well short of the actual cost we have seen going to processors to keep their employees safe? Will you increase the amount?
Value statement - Emergency Processing Fund
The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant challenges to the food supply chain, in particular food processors.
- $77.5 million to safeguard the health and safety of workers and their families
- Funding adjustments to plant operations to support public health measures.
- Over 550 companies funded
- One-time federal investment
Take away - Emergency Processing Fund
The Emergency Processing Fund is focused on supporting projects to help companies respond to the urgent health and safety needs of workers in agri-food sectors impacted by COVID-19.
Local Food Infrastructure Fund
Can you provide an update as to the status of the fund and how the department is measuring success with how those funds have rolled out? Are there future plans to maybe continue it?
Value statement - Local Food Infrastructure Fund
The Local Food Infrastructure Fund aims to strengthen food systems and facilitate access to safe and nutritious food for communities. We just entered the second phase in June 2020.
- Local Food Infrastructure Fund Phase 1: 362 projects with a total of $6.6 million, to date $2.7 million disbursed
- Local Food Infrastructure Fund Phase 2: 385 applications, extremely high demand for $30.7 million program
- Additional $100 million emergency COVID-19 funding for community food organizations ($200 million total)
- Northern Isolated Communities Initiative Fund, $2.8 million to date.
Many projects intended to be finalized before March will slip into the 2021- 2022 fiscal year as experienced in Phase 1.
Take away - Local Food Infrastructure Fund
Local food organizations are working tirelessly to help Canadians put food on their tables, and now more than ever they need our support
Food insecurity and food sovereignty
How much are you willing to adapt the food policy to address the growing concern for food insecurity?
Value statement - Food insecurity and food sovereignty
We continue to advance implementation of the Food Policy for Canada in collaboration with government, Indigenous, non- governmental, industry and other partners.
- Addressing food insecurity key priority
- Local Food Infrastructure Fund and additional $200 million emergency COVID-19 funding for 3,215 communities
- Utilizing Agricultural Youth Council and the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council (once launched)
Take away - Food insecurity and food sovereignty
We remain committed to improving Canada's food system and ensuring vulnerable Canadians have access to food, reducing food waste, and make Canadian food the top choice at home and abroad.
Pollution pricing
Will you champion an exemption from propane and natural gas on farm use from the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act this coming year?
Value statement - Pollution pricing
Our pollution pricing policy is designed to grow a clean economy and recognizes that farmers and farm families are important drivers of the Canadian economy.
- Agriculture receives significant relief compared to other sectors of the economy
- Livestock / crop production emissions not priced
- Farm / cardlock fueling exempt
- Partial rebate propane / natural gas for commercial greenhouses
- In 2019, for average grain and oilseed farm this was less than 0.5% of net operating expenses
- Ongoing review of new information
- Study Private Member's Bill C-206 carefully
Take away - Pollution pricing
Putting a price on carbon pollution is a critical part of Canada's action plan as it reduces pollution at the lowest cost to businesses and households.
Clean Fuel Standard
Clean Fuel Standard economic impact including Land Use and Biodiversity Criteria
Value statement - Clean Fuel Standard
Canadian production of biofuels is an important opportunity for farmers and producers to expand value-added products for domestic and international markets.
- Environment and Climate Change Canada leading Clean Fuel Standard.
- Environment and Climate Change Canada on target to publish the draft regulation in Canada Gazette Part I before the end of 2020.
- Clean Fuel Standard will be accompanied by Cost Benefit Analysis.
- Analysis on potential impacts on farmers at a regional level underway.
- Working with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada to ensure Canadian agricultural practices are recognized.
Take away - Clean Fuel Standard
The Clean Fuel Standard will promote the development and use of low-carbon fuels, while also supporting innovation and furthering the agriculture sector's contribution to clean growth.
Mental health
How is government addressing mental health issues in agriculture sector?
Value statement - Mental health
The COVID-19 crisis has increased uncertainties and stress levels for all Canadians, including farmers and food processing operations.
- Public Health Agency of Canada solutions to manage mental health and contact information
- $240 million for mental health tools through Wellness Together Canada, to support all Canadians
- Farm Credit Canada – Rooted in Strength initiative serves to increase awareness of what is mental wellness and the ag- specific supports available
- Provincial and industry resources
Take away - Mental health
All Canadian farmers, ranchers and producers must have access to the mental health support they need during this difficult time.
Hemp
Would you be willing to work with Health Canada to get hemp under agriculture?
Value statement - Hemp
The hemp sector is eligible for all Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada program funding like other crop sectors. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada also supports the sector through, research, policy development, and free trade negotiations. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Health Canada work closely together to ensure policy considers competitive factors, along with important health and safety issues.
- Health Canada regulates hemp under Cannabis Act
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada supports through program funding, research and analysis.
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada- Health Canada collaboration
- Working with industry
- Ensure policy considers competiveness and safety
Take away - Hemp
Health Canada regulates industrial hemp to protect the health and safety of Canadians; while Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada works within the existing regulatory framework to support the sector's development and competitiveness.
Neonicotinoids in Canada
Neonicotinoids are a critical chemical that we use in the agricultural sector. Do you support the continued use of that chemical?
Value statement - Neonicotinoids in Canada
Through open engagement and consultation, the Government continues to work with the agriculture sector to address the challenges that may arise from decisions restricting the use of neonicotinoids. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and its Pest Management Centre continue to research viable alternatives.
- Importance of pest control
- Support Canadian growers access to safe, effective products
- Support scientific decisions
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada-Pest Management Regulatory Agency cooperation
- Continue researching alternatives
Take away - Neonicotinoids in Canada
The government supports the rigorous, science-based regulation of pesticides in Canada to ensure they continue to meet modern health and safety standards.
Research and development
Can you share with us some of those investments in research and innovation?
Value statement - Research and development
The Government of Canada is investing:
- $690 million through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership:
- AgriScience clusters ($183 million for 19 clusters);
- AgriScience Projects ($57.7 million for 49 projects)
- $30 million to advance research in agricultural genomics
- $70 million Advancing Agricultural Innovation and Discovery Science:
- hiring up to 75 new scientists (40 hired to date);
- Living Laboratories Initiative
- Work with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada in the $153 million Protein Industries Canada Supercluster
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has a national network of 20 Research and Development Centres
Take away - Research and development
Our investments directly support key priorities of the agricultural and agri-food sector to the benefit of the Canadian economy and every-day lives of Canadians.
African Swine Fever
What is the government doing to prevent African Swine Fever from coming to Canada, and if it does come to Canada, what is the plan for addressing it?
Value statement - African Swine Fever
Canada's pork industry contributes over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and generates approximately $24 billion to the Canadian economy.
Canada has strong programs in place to prevent and control the spread of foreign animal diseases, including African Swine Fever, into and within the country.
- Prevent and prepare
- Controls on imports
- Food detector dogs
- Laboratory capacity
- Effective communication strategies
- Strong stakeholder collaboration
Take away - African Swine Fever
The Pan-Canadian African Swine Fever Action Plan provides guidance and strategic direction for African Swine Fever prevention, preparedness, and response.
COVID-19 and farmed mink
What is the Canadian Food Inspection doing about COVID-19 cases possibly related to a mink farm in British Columbia?
Value statement - COVID-19 and farmed mink
Our government is committed to the health and safety of Canadians and Canadian livestock.
- Aware of current situation of mink farm in British Columbia
- Working with industry and public health to prevent and stop spread of COVID-19 in Canadian mink farms
- Authority for farmed mink rests with the provinces
- Confirmed cases reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health
Take away - COVID-19 and farmed mink
Our government is working closely with federal and provincial partners to respond to this emerging issue.
Spent fowl (border controls)
What is the Government doing to address border controls for supply- managed goods?
Value statement - Spent fowl (border controls)
Our government is taking steps to address the concerns of import predictability and effective border controls for supply-managed commodities, while ensuring that Canadian processors who use dairy and poultry inputs can remain competitive in export markets.
- Working across government to ensure that border control measures in place remain effective.
- Have initiated new verifications for imported spent fowl shipments: resulted in a 17% decrease in spent fowl imports in 2018 from 2016 levels.
Take away - Spent fowl (border controls)
The government maintains robust compliance verifications of supply- managed goods in Canada.
Animal welfare and transportation
What is the government doing in the face of concerns from industry around the new humane transportation regulations?
Value statement - Animal welfare and transportation
We are committed to the humane treatment of animals in Canada and we take the issue of animal welfare very seriously.
- Updated animal transportation regulations (February 2020) seek to improve the health and well-being of animals during the entire transportation process
- Result of 10 years of consultations with farm groups, industry, other stakeholders and the Canadian public
- A two-year transition period continues to enable industry to work through logistical issues by assessing impacts of new requirements and implementing effective solutions
- Committed to working with industry and researchers to assess scientific data on humane transportation that could help inform future considerations.
Take away - Animal welfare and transportation
I am very conscious of the need for the humane treatment and handling of animals throughout all life stages.
C-205, an act to amend the Health Of Animals Act
What is the Government's approach to Private Member's Bill C-205?
Value statement - C-205, an act to amend the Health Of Animals Act
Private Member's Bill C-205 would amend the Health of Animals Act and would make it an offence to enter a building or other enclosed space in which animals are kept (for example, farm or slaughterhouse) without proper authority.
- Mental health/well-being of farmers
- Biosecurity, an important concern
- Trespassing legislation proposed or in place in some provinces
- Existing laws in the Criminal Code
Take away - C-205, an act to amend the Health Of Animals Act
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency currently provides technical advice and guidance to industry and provinces/territories on biosecurity measures (standards, new risks, other preventive approaches).
C-208: an act to amend the Income Tax Act
What is the Government of Canada's position on Bill C-208, and what will it do to address the challenges associated with farm transfers/succession planning?
Value statement - C-208: an act to amend the Income Tax Act
The Government wants to see farm families succeed, and will continue to support family-run business owners to pass down the results of their hard work to the next generation.
Current support measures include:
- Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption, to shelter up to $1 million of capital gains
- Farm Credit Canada low-interest loan guarantee programs for new and young farmers, and succession planning services
- Canadian Agricultural Loans Act loans to new and beginning farmers
Take away - C-208: an act to amend the Income Tax Act
While the Income Tax Act, and any proposed amendments to it, fall under the Minister of Finance's portfolio, I remain committed to working with her on tax measures to facilitate the intergenerational transfer of farms.
C-13 an act to amend the Criminal Code (single event sport betting)
What is the purpose of this Bill? Why does the Government support this change?
Value statement - C-13 an act to amend the Criminal Code (single event sport betting)
Our Government is amending the Criminal Code to legalize single-event sports betting in Canada. Provinces and territories will benefit from the expected new revenue streams and illegal betting will be properly regulated.
- Single event sports betting is legal in many other countries
- Reconfirms federal authority over betting on horse racing
- We will be holding consultations with the provinces and territories, industry and interested stakeholders
- Consultations with the horse racing industry will help the Government better understand their concerns. In addition, by working with the provinces and territories, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency is aiming to develop regulatory options that are both sustainable and leverage new opportunities.
Take away - C-13 an act to amend the Criminal Code (single event sport betting)
Our government is committed to introducing single events sports betting in Canada in a safe and well-regulated way while consulting with agriculture stakeholders to ensure we understand the impact and their needs.
Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI)
Chair
Pat Finnigan
- Liberal
- Miramichi-Grand Lake, New Brunswick
Pat Finnigan was first elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the riding Miramichi—Grand Lake, NB, in 2015.
Vice-chairs
Lianne Rood
- Conservative
- Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, Ontario
- 1st Vice Chair
Yves Perron
- Bloc Québécois
- Berthier-Maskinongé, Québec
- 2nd Vice Chair
Members
Lynne Bessette
- Liberal
- Brome-Missisquoi, Quebec
Kody Blois
- Liberal
- Kings-Hants, Nova Scotia
Francis Drouin
- Liberal
- Glengarry-Prescott Russell, Ontario
Neil R. Ellis
- Liberal
- Bay of Quinte, Ontario
Dave Epp
- Conservative
- Chatham-Kent-Leamington, Ontario
Richard Lehoux
- Conservative
- Beauce, Québec
Tim Louis
- Liberal
- Kitchener-Conestoga, Ontario
Alistair MacGregor
- NDP
- Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, British Columbia
Warren Steinley
- Conservative
- Regina-Lewvan, Saskatchewan