Minister's briefing notes: Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, June 10, 2020

Table of Contents

• AgriInvest

  Value statement

  Our Government has encouraged producers to use the funds in their AgriInvest accounts.

  • Almost $2.3B in AgriInvest accounts, accessible at any time.
  • Governments provide average of $250M in matching contributions every year.
  • Average producer has close to $25,000 in their AgriInvest account, varies by sector. Horticulture producers have on average about $25,000 while potato producers have on average $93,000.
  • Some short-term fluctuations, but total balance in all AgriInvest accounts and average balance by producer has risen steadily over the past three years. As of mid-May 2020, total balance in AgriInvest accounts is virtually the same as in May 2019.
  • Only sector showing decline is hog sector: total amount of AgriInvest funds is 13% lower in May 2020 over May 2019 due to a rise in withdrawals in May 2020.
  • No noticeable increase in withdrawals from AgriInvest accounts in all other sectors compared to same period in 2019.
  • We release data that illustrates the level of support available to the sector, and what this could mean for individual producers.

  Take away

  AgriInvest is there to provide immediate support to address cash flow issues and producers are encouraged to use their deposited funds.

• Supplementary Estimates (A), 2020–21

  Value statement

  AAFC's 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) total a net amount of $252.5 million. It reflects announced urgent supporting measures for COVID-19 that require new funding. This includes:

  Supplementary Estimates

  2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (A) ($ millions)

  Program	New funding			Reallocated Existing Funding	Total Funding
  	Statutory	Voted	Total
  Local Food Infrastructure Fund	75.0	-	75.0	-	75.0
  Emergency Processing Fund1	62.5	15.0	77.5	-	77.5
  Temporary Foreign Workers	50.0	-	50.0	-	50.0
  Surplus Food Purchase Program	50.0	-	50.0	-	50.0
  Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priority Program (CASPP)2	-	-	-	20.0	20.0
  Operating Funds2				(20.0)	(20.0)
  Total	237.5	15.0	252.5	-	252.5
  Notes The authorities for national AgriRecovery initiatives announced ($125M envelope including set-asides for cattle and hog management programs (up to $50M each) to manage livestock backed-up on farms), is not part of Supplementary Estimates (A) as it is already part of AAFC's 2020-21 Main Estimates. 1. $15M (of $77.5M approved as statutory) for the Emergency Processing Fund is to be converted into Vote 10 Contributions (under CASPP) to allow more flexibility to make payments beyond September 30th, 2020. $62.5M remains as statutory. 2. $20M transferred from Vote 1 Operating to Vote 10 Grants and Contributions temporarily allocated to the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priority Program, available for use, as required. In total, with this additional funding, AAFC total spending authorities to date for 2020-2021 are approximately $2.8 billion.

  Take away

  These funds are for urgent supporting measures for producers and businesses facing unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, so that they can continue to provide for Canadians.

• COVID measures

  Value statement

  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.

  • $9.2M to fund 700 youth jobs in the sector through the Youth Employment and Skills Program
  • $100M to the new Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund
  • $77.5M Emergency Processing Fund
  • $125M National AgriRecovery Initiative, including set-asides for cattle and hog management
  • Expand the CDC borrowing capacity by $200M
  • $50M Surplus Food Purchase program
  • Working with PTs to increase AgriStability interim payments to 75% and explore possibility of treating labour shortages as an eligible risk within the AgriInsurance program

  We previously announced $5B for FCC, $50M to help with costs for temporary foreign workers, $20M for CFIA, $100M to local food organizations, and extensions to APP loan deadlines and AgriStability enrollment.

  Many Government-wide measures are also helping, such as CEBA which provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 (25% is forgivable – up to $10,000).

  We also launched a job portal and continue to hold stakeholder calls and industry working group meetings.

  Take away

  The Government will continue to work with provincial and territorial colleagues as well as industry to ensure farmers get the help they need.

• Slaughterhouses

  Value statement

  We fully recognize the concerns of workers in meat plants and efforts being made by processors to protect their staff. Adequate measures must be in place if workers are going to continue to provide essential services to Canadians during this critical time.

  • As processing is returning to normal, pre-Covid levels, the impacts on processing and livestock and poultry producers will continue to be felt.
  • Priority is to keep working in lockstep with industry, as well as with provincial governments, to ensure we are sharing the latest information and collaborating to address impacts.
  • Established a joint Meat and Poultry Working Group
  • We provide BRM support
  • $77.5M to adapt operations to increase capacity and to implement measures to protect worker safety
  • $50M to help offset costs associated with isolation period required of temporary foreign workers.
  • $73B Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program
  • $20M to ensure CFIA can hire, train and equip additional staff including collaboration with provinces to ensure sufficient meat inspectors.
  • I want to emphasize that my priority is on food security and know that our farmers and processors are focused on supplying the domestic market.

  Take away

  Our government is there every step of the way, working with industry, provinces and territories to identify ways to address the challenges and ensure we keep supply lines open.

• Business risk management programs

  Value statement

  We have in place a suite of business risk management (BRM) programs providing a financial safety net for farmers, to manage and mitigate the impact of weather and other unavoidable variables farmers face in their businesses, like the impacts of COVID-19 on their operations.

  • We invite every farmer to sign up.
  • The BRM suite of programs has provided over $1.5 billion in support to farmers annually, and will likely provide even more this year.
  • We are focused on options to make BRM programs effective, agile, timely, and equitable.
  • Work continues to consider how BRM tools, like AgriStability, can help producers manage impacts.
  • The AgriStability enrollment deadline has been extended to July 3 for this year. The median fee for farmers to enroll is $250.
  • BRM reform is focused on options to make BRM programs effective, agile, timely, and equitable in the longer term. Short term improvements were announced this year – e.g. private insurance, simplified applications based on tax-filing.

  Take away

  Federal, provincial and territorial governments continue to review BRM programs, and the current challenges will be a key consideration in that review. We remain committed to working with farmers to ensure programs meet their needs.

  AgriStability interim payment rate increase requests

  AgriStability interim payment rate increase requests
  2020 Program Year

  Province	Date requested by province	Date of federal concurrence	Interim rate requested (%)	Commodities	Program year	Public announcement
  British Columbia	03-04-2020	05-04-2020	75	All	2020	See note 1
  Quebec	07-04-2020	08-04-2020	75	All	2020	17-04-2020
  Saskatchewan	21-04-2020	22-04-2020	75	All	2020	24-04-2020
  Prince Edward Island	23-04-2020	08-05-2020	75	All	2020	23-04-2020
  Alberta	01-05-2020	06-05-2020	75	Hogs and Potatoes	2020	08-05-2020
  New Brunswick	06-05-2020	08-05-2020	75	All	2020	N/A
  Ontario	08-05-2020	08-05-2020	75	All	2020	14-05-2020
  Manitoba	11-05-2020	11-05-2020	75	All	2020	N/A
  Nova Scotia	12-05-2020	14-05-2020	75	All	2020	N/A
  1. In British Columbia, interim payments were offered at 75% to nursery operations first with other sectors being rolled out at a later date. The communication was made directly to nursery producers on April 2, 2020.

• Horticulture and temporary foreign workers

  Value statement

  Our Government values the significant contribution that temporary foreign workers make to Canada and its economy and recognizes the health and safety concerns of these workers.

  • Temporary Foreign Workers are integral to our agri-food economy and must be treated with the same dignity and respect as Canadian workers. The horticulture industry employs approximately 85% of the nearly 28,000 seasonal workers that have arrived to Canada in 2020.
  • Departments and agencies across government are actively engaged to ensure the health and safety of Canada’s agricultural workers.
  • $77.5M to adapt operations to increase capacity and to implement measures to protect worker safety.
  • $50M to help offset costs associated with isolation period required of temporary foreign workers.
  • $3B Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program.

  Take away

  In recent weeks, we have seen COVID 19 outbreaks at some farms and greenhouses. We are working closely with industry and our local, provincial and territorial partners to ensure that proper health and safety protocols are in place and that all agricultural workers are provided access to health care.

  The Windsor-Essex area in southern Ontario has between 8,000-10,000 TFWs and it is a critical location for tracking the COVID situation. Starting June 9, coordinated mass testing of migrant workers in the region will begin under the direction of Ontario Health.

• Labour shortage

  Value statement

  Stepping up our efforts to attract and retain both Canadian and foreign workers is critical to ensuring Canada’s food security.

  • Exemption of travel ban, temporary foreign workers arriving every day.
  • $50 M for isolation period for TFWs.
  • Rapid Response Team to fast-track TFW applications.
  • Increased maximum duration of work permits from 1 to 2 years for workers in low-wage stream.
  • Removed minimum recruitment requirement for workers in agriculture and food processing until October 2020.
  • Temporarily allowing TFWs with employer-specific work permits to quickly change employers when they find a new job.
  • Launched the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
  • Flexibility for Canada Summer Jobs – increase in wage subsidy to 100% for all employers.
  • Enhanced Youth Employment and Skills Program to support employment of youth in agriculture and agri-food sectors.
  • Changes to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to allow for part-time work, top-up to salaries of essential workers.
  • Launched a national online employment portal to match Canadians with jobs in the agriculture and food sectors.

  Take away

  We continue to work with federal, provincial counterparts, and industry to help to ensure reliable access to both domestic and foreign labour.

• Jobs in agriculture

  Value statement

  Our Government is working around the clock to respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on Canadians, on farmers and agri-food businesses, and to ensure we have the workforce needed to give Canadians continued access to high-quality food.

  Connecting available workers to jobs will help to ensure food security for Canadians.

  • Launched a national online employment portal called: “Step up to the plate”.
  • Working with provinces and territories to direct Canadians to job banks where they can find work in their area that will contribute to Canada’s food security.
  • Encouraging those who are healthy and able to take a job that contributes to Canada’s food security.
  • Increased flexibility under the Canada Summer Jobs program to provide employers with a 100% wage subsidy.
  • Enhanced Youth Employment and Skills Program funding to support employment of youth in agriculture and agri-food sectors.

  Take away

  There will always be jobs in the agriculture sector for interested Canadians.

• Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement

  Value statement

  Our Government sees CUSMA as a powerful driver for the Canadian economy. The agreement maintained all existing tariff-free access to the American and Mexican markets for Canadian agriculture and agri-food exports and protected the supply management system despite intense pressure to dismantle it.

  • Entry into force takes place on July 1, 2020.
  • Moving forward with implementation now improves predictability for farmers and food processors in a time of global uncertainty.
  • Stabilizes and re-energizes our continental trading partnership.
  • Maintains highly integrated North American supply chains.
  • Secures access for $42 billion in agricultural exports to the U.S. and Mexico for our farmers and food processors.
  • Ensures the integrity of the supply management system is maintained long into the future.

  Take away

  The Agreement will improve predictability and stability for businesses and workers in all three countries. Implementing the agreement now addresses an important preoccupation for many in our agricultural sector.

  We are collaborating with industry as we prepare for entry into force.

  We will continue to monitor the implementation of CUSMA, and we are committed to delivering full and fair compensation for supply managed sectors in response to the agreement.

• Pollution pricing

  Value statement

  Our pollution pricing policy is designed to grow a clean economy.

  The Government recognizes that farmers and farm families are important drivers of the Canadian economy.

  • Emissions from livestock and crop production are not priced.
  • Farm fuels and fuels from card lock facilities are exempt.
  • There is a partial rebate for propane and natural gas used in commercial greenhouses.
  • Publicly available estimates, prepared by my department, reflecting the federal backstop and using a price of $50 per tonne show:
    • average increase of 0.2% to producers’ net operating costs,
    • decrease of 1.0% to producers’ net operating income due to carbon pollution pricing.
  • We continue to review new information as it becomes available.

  Take away

  Our Government understands that climate change presents a threat to our long-term health and economic prosperity. The federal carbon pollution pricing system is not about raising revenues for the Government of Canada.

• Bees

  Value statement

  We understand the importance of bees in agriculture, and that maintaining honey bee health is an ongoing challenge for beekeepers with pests and diseases that must be routinely monitored and treated.

  • The beekeeping industry is highly dependent on bee imports and foreign labour: the COVID 19 situation disrupted the arrival of spring replacement bees, as well as of temporary foreign workers.
  • AAFC works closely with Health Canada to help ensure that pesticides, when used according to directions, do not pose any unacceptable risks to humans or other living things including beneficial insects such as bees and other pollinators.
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and its Pest Management Centre continues to research viable alternatives to pesticides for Canadian farmers and stakeholders.

  Take away

  Beekeepers are an essential part of agriculture, we continue to work with provincial and federal governments to support the industry. Our Government continues to take a science-based approach to decision-making, including regulatory decisions for the safe and sustainable use of all crop protection products.

• AgriRecovery

  Value statement

  Our Government understands that producers may be facing significant extraordinary costs as a result of COVID-19. We fast tracked a national AgriRecovery initiative of up to $125 million in funding to help producers with extraordinary costs incurred as a result of the pandemic.

  • Given the urgency of need, in cases where PT governments are not able to provide funding, the federal government will still provide its federal share. The federal government will also cover up to 90% of eligible extraordinary costs, up from the standard 70%.
  • The national AgriRecovery initiative includes up to $100M in federal assistance for hog and cattle producers to manage extraordinary costs related to the backlog in processing created by the temporary closure of food processing plants.
  • Assessments have been completed for hog and cattle producers involving most provinces and additional assessments are underway for other commodities. Details on the specific programs that meet regional needs will move forward at different speeds, with the first announcements expected by mid-June with funds expected to flow to producers in July.

  Take away

  AgriRecovery complements other business risk management programs to help producers to manage extraordinary costs associated with COVID-19.

• Food banks

  Value statement

  There has been an increase in the number of Canadians facing food insecurity. That is why our Government is providing $100M to help organizations addressing food insecurity, such as food banks.

  • $350M to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services.
  • $305M for new Indigenous Community Support Fund (ICSF) to address needs in Indigenous communities, like food security.
  • Additional $75M to the ICSF for Indigenous organizations providing services to Indigenous peoples in urban centres and off reserve.
  • $17.3M to YK, NU and NWT to support northern air carriers and $25M for Nutrition North
  • $50M for a Surplus Food Purchase Program designed to help redistribute existing and unsold inventories, which could include products such as potatoes and poultry, to local food organizations.

  Take away

  We are helping to ensure that vulnerable Canadians in communities across the country have access to food during this challenging time.

• Canola seed exports to China

  Value statement

  Our government continues to work through all available bilateral and multilateral channels to restore full market access for canola seed exports to China.

  • Canada continues to ship canola seed to China – at reduced levels.
  • Regaining full market access remains top priority.
  • As of April 1st, China requires Canadian shipments of canola seed have dockage (non-canola material) levels of less than 1%.
  • Continue to engage with China at technical level to regain full access.

  Take away

  We remain committed to restoring market access for the companies that continue to be blocked from exporting canola seed to China.

• Farm Credit Canada

  Value statement

  Canadian farmers and food processors feed Canada and the world, and the strength of our economy depends on their hard work and success.

  • FCC is Canada’s leading lender to the agricultural and agri-food sector.
  • Additional $5B in lending capacity announced March 23.
  • COVID support programs in place:
    • a deferral of principal and interest payments up to six months for existing loans; or
    • deferral of principal payments up to 12 months; and
    • access to an additional credit line up to $500,000.
    • launched a $100M venture capital fund to support proven, viable companies through unexpected business disruptions.
  • FCC provided cash flow relief to more than 4,000 producers and agri-food businesses who have used payment deferral option on FCC loans totalling $4.48B.
  • FCC approved more than $800M in loans and credit lines.

  Take away

  Our government is committed to ensuring that producers, agribusinesses and food processors have access to necessary capital so they can continue to put quality food on tables across our country.

• Ginseng

  Value statement

  I understand that ginseng is a unique commodity, and that the sector is facing a number of significant challenges.

  • Through BRM programs, FPT governments invest, on average, close to $1.6B annually to help support the agriculture sector under difficult circumstances.
  • Ginseng producers can draw from their AgriInvest account balances and seek support through AgriStability based on realized income declines relative to previous years, including the possibility of seeking interim payments.
  • Through the Advance Payments Program (APP), producers can access interest-free advances of up to $100,000 per program year with the maximum loan limit of $1M.
  • Some flexibility for the Government to provide a Stay of Default for outstanding loans, if administrators make a request and defaults are pending.
  • Wide range of federal support measures in response to Covid-19 like:
    • Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced.

  Take away

  I encourage producers to take advantage of existing risk management programs that can assist with declining commodity prices and operating costs, as well as new measures implemented in response to Covid-19.

• Grain drying

  Value statement

  Farmers are concerned about higher fuel costs and impacts of the federal carbon pollution pricing system.

  • Grain drying costs are impacted by many factors (e.g. geography, type of crop, moisture content, fuel type and prices, and amount of harvest requiring drying).
  • Data was provided by:
    • Government of Alberta,
    • Keystone Agricultural Producers
    • Agricultural Producers of Saskatchewan
    • Grain Farmers of Ontario
  • They arrived at their own estimates of financial impacts using different methodologies/assumptions – this made making direct comparisons difficult.
  • The estimates that we received indicate that the cost of pollution pricing associated with grain drying ranged from $210 to $819 per farm and 0.05% to 0.42% of total farm operating expenses.
  • In 2018, prior to finalization of federal pollution pricing and provincial policies, AAFC estimated that farms in Canada would see an average increase of $718, or 0.2%, to their net operating costs across all farm types, due to pollution pricing.

  Take away

  Estimates do not take into account the fact that:

  • all revenues from the federal backstop are returned to the residents of the provinces where they are collected.
  • larger amount of revenue to rural residents to recognize their special circumstances.
  • portion of the revenue helps support small businesses, including farmers, further reduce emissions.

• Horticulture (potatoes)

  Value statement

  We understand that agriculture groups have specific needs and asks right now and we are actively exploring additional ways to support them.

  • Critical component of our food system and economy.
  • One of Canada's most vulnerable agricultural sectors due to the perishable and seasonal nature of horticultural products.
  • Very labour-intensive sector that is highly dependent on foreign labour.
  • Canada is a net importer of field vegetables, fruits, and berries, but a net exporter of greenhouse vegetables and potatoes.
  • Labour issues can have significant impact on current and future production decisions and food availability in coming months.

  Take away

  With our federal and provincial partners, we continue to work closely with horticulture stakeholders to identify solutions to major challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, such as access to labour and financial support.

• Equine Industry

  Value statement

  We are aware of the significant implications the impacts of COVID-19 are having on the equine industry.

  • Public health measures have resulted in a loss of income for many in the industry.
  • Costs remain the same.
  • The horse sector is very diverse and unique, touching on sport, recreation, tourism, racing and agriculture.
  • CEBA's expanded eligibility now qualifies more horse farms.
  • Provincial reopenings are good news for the industry.
  • The horse racing in Ontario has commenced.
  • Riding lessons in Quebec have resumed.

  Take away

  We are engaging with representatives from the equine industry to understand the issues and explore how the Government COVID responses can assist the equine sector during these difficult times.

• International trade

  Value statement

  Global agriculture and food supply chains play an instrumental role in avoiding food shortages and ensuring global food security.

  North American supply chain

  • Highly integrated markets – priority to ensure that goods move uninterrupted across shared border with U.S. and Mexico.
  • In the first four months of 2020, Canadian agri-food and seafood exports to the US increased by 2.5% (reaching $11.7 billion), with imports increasing by 3.6% (reaching $9.3 billion).
  • Ongoing collaboration with largest and key trading partners. Positive calls with counterparts, Secretary Perdue and Secretary Villalobos.

  Transportation / logistics

  • Agriculture and food infrastructures/trade are critical. Canadian exports and imports of food continue to flow.
  • Working with industry to stay ahead of disruptions and explore ways to overcome challenges.

  Trade restrictions

  • Trade restrictive measures have potential to affect food availability and global food pricing – called against unjustified restrictive measures.
  • Working with international partners – affirm importance of continued flow of food and products essential for agricultural and food production.

  Take away

  Our government is committed to supporting the global community to avoid disruptions to global food supply chains.

• Milk

  Value statement

  There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented shock in terms of how our supply chains function, and is also causing significant fluctuations in demand.

  • Producers have adjusted production to meet market demand.
  • New storage programs put in place by the Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC), including one for cheese.
  • Additional $200M in borrowing capacity for the CDC announced on May 5 and passed by Parliament on May 15. This is an important measure that will allow the CDC greater flexibility to manage the surplus milk issue and support its mandate.

  Take away

  Canadians can be confident that our businesses and supply chains are adapting to respond to the situation, and that the agricultural sector remains prepared to feed all Canadians.

• Research

  Value statement

  The health and safety of our employees, and all Canadians, is the primary consideration in the Department’s decision-making with respect to science-related activities.

  • Research is an important part of how AAFC supports the agricultural sector, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • AAFC research activities were initially scaled to critical time-sensitive services.
  • As local restrictions are lifting, we proceeded with additional field-based research, with an emphasis on activities that support the sector.
  • Some of the types of research that are continuing across the country include: agronomic trials and integrated pest management research, as well as research activities that can be conducted remotely.
  • All of our work takes into consideration local and regional public health guidelines, and will continue to as we evaluate when and how research activities can resume.
  • $690M to support science and innovation through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
  • AAFC is working with ISED; $153 million - Protein Industries Canada Supercluster.

  Take away

  We are working with our employees, bargaining agents, and stakeholders to ensure we can proceed with our research priorities while ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff and the communities where they live and work across Canada.

• Federal–provincial–territorial relations

  Value statement

  We are working with provinces and territories to support the entire ag sector. Provincial and territorial governments have the flexibility to tailor programs to meet their regional needs.

  • Agriculture is concurrent FPT jurisdiction, federal and PT play a role in regulating and supporting the industry
  • Collaboration formalized by multilateral and bilateral agreements
  • Policy objectives for ag sector agreed to jointly with PTs
  • Cost-shared programs (60:40 federal/PT) funding ratio
  • PTs deliver cost-shared programming
  • Most direct support via Business Risk Management suite
  • Federal-only programming delivered by AAFC

  Take away

  During these exceptional circumstances, our 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.

• Mental health

  Value statement

  The COVID-19 crisis has increased uncertainties and stress levels for all Canadians, including farmers and food processing operations.

  • Food security for Canadians depends on the health of our country's farmers, ranchers and producers.
  • Public Health Agency of Canada launched a COVID-specific website that provides solutions to manage mental health and contact information for distress lines.
  • On May 3, 2020, the Government announced an investment of $240.5M to develop, expand, and launch virtual care and mental health tools to support Canadians.
  • For the sector, Farm Credit Canada has agriculture-specific resources available online through its Rooted in Strength initiative.
  • All provinces, and several industry organizations such as Do More Ag, have mental health resources to help farmers and their families.

  Take away

  It is essential to ensure that all Canadian farmers, ranchers and producers have access to the mental health support they need during this difficult time.

• Food sector: essential service

  Value statement

  Maintaining the food supply chain to ensure food security and the well-being of Canadians. Protecting the safety of food industry workers is a high priority.

  • Public Safety Canada, provinces and territories recognized essential nature of the food sector.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) in the food sector is an essential element to ensuring food and worker safety under normal circumstances – even more important now.
  • PPE shortage: reduced worldwide supply and increased costs have created pressures within the food sector, particularly for smaller purchasers and producers.
  • Increased focus on providing public health and occupational health and safety guidance for the food sector to limit spread of COVID among food sector workers and workplaces.
  • Government-wide effort with provinces/territories and industry to determining support mechanisms and keep workers safe and identify PPE needs.

  Take away

  Our Government is working with its provincial/territorial and industry partners to ensure the continued operation of the food system that Canadians can rely on.

• U.S. support

  Value statement

  My focus remains on supporting the Canadian agriculture sector.

  • We are aware of U.S. support and monitoring the situation closely.
  • Canada and U.S. support agriculture sector through different programs.
  • Many changes put in place to support Canadian agriculture sector, including:
    • increase Farm Credit Canada's lending capacity
    • provide exemptions to travel restrictions for temporary foreign workers to enter Canada
    • help employers follow the isolation requirements for arriving temporary foreign workers
    • support food banks and food organizations across Canada
    • take advantage of flexibility under existing BRM programs
    • provide for internships to assist with labour shortages

  Take away

  We are working with industry, provincial and territorial partners to identify how best to support the sector.

• Food surplus

  Value statement

  Our Government understands and recognizes the impact of the current pandemic on various industries, as COVID-19 is causing unpredictable supply and demand fluctuations.

  • Poultry and potato industry stakeholders are working on measures to adjust to significant fluctuations in demand, reduce surplus production, and minimize waste.
  • The potato industry noted the severe impact that COVID-19 has had on foodservice demand, notably French fries, resulting in a surplus of potatoes.
  • On top of existing BRM programming and the recently announced programs by the government, AAFC is also currently engaging with these industries to discuss potential pathways to further support them.
  • Many producers, associations and processors across the country have generously donated food surplus to food banks to help people in need.
  • $50M for food surplus purchasing and redistribution to those facing food insecurity. This will ensure farmers are being compensated and our more vulnerable are protected.
  • $200M in additional borrowing capacity for the CDC.

  Take away

  Our Government is committed to support various industries, throughout the crisis and will continue to collaborate with industry stakeholders and provinces to develop efficient solutions.

• Transportation and distribution

  Value statement

  Our Government recognizes the importance of the transportation network in delivering food to Canadians and our international customers.

  • Transportation is essential service to ensure the efficient movement of goods.
  • We continue to work with our U.S. partners to ensure the border remains open for commercial transportation, including the movement of food.
  • The transportation system is meeting current industry needs.
  • The grain transportation system has improved substantially since the winter: both major railways (CN and CP) set records for moving grain this spring.
  • Grains and oilseeds exports in March and April were 14% higher compared to last year. That is an increased value of exports of over $400 million for March and April this year compared to last year.
  • We are aware of issues with containers for shipping some exports, given disruptions to global container trade.

  Take away

  We continue to work with agriculture and transportation sector stakeholders to identify ways to maintain and improve supply chains.

• Western Livestock Price Insurance Program

  Value statement

  Our Government understands that cattle producers in Western Canada value the Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP).

  • A provincial program that allows producers to purchase coverage to insure a price floor.
  • Premiums have returned to more normal levels in recent weeks, while insured prices have increased.
  • The sales period for calf policies was extended so that producers could take advantage of the improved coverage at a lower cost.
  • The program has provided significant protection to producers, paying over $70M in indemnities to producers so far this year.

  Take away

  The WLPIP demonstrates the value of additional, producer-paid coverage to complement support from government business risk management programs.

• Canadian Food Inspection Agency inspectors

  Value statement

  Our Government understands the importance of the CFIA' role in safeguarding Canada' food supply.

  • $20M has been provided to CFIA to support inspections.
  • This will be used for staffing additional veterinarians and inspectors, pay overtime to minimize downtime, and to help keep supply chains open and support the trade of food.
  • Some staff may be temporarily reassigned to areas of high priority and will be provided with necessary training. Contingency plans are in place in the the event of inspector absences.
  • CFIA and provinces are working collaboratively to share inspection resources.

  Take away

  We continue to ensure CFIA has the capacity needed to safeguard Canada's food system and support production demands.

• Closure of Canadian Food Inspection Agency office

  Value statement

  The protection of the Canadian livestock sector remains a priority for our Government. Shifting of Canadian Food Inspection Agency office locations is based on operational requirements and industry demand.

  • The ability to provide animal health inspections and programs will not be affected by these changes and Canadians will continue to receive the same level of service.
  • The redistribution of services delivered from the Prince Albert office is based on the need to align office locations with industry activities and program changes.
  • This is the result of reduced workload related to changes in CFIA's role in relation to a number of animal health diseases.
  • There will be no job losses associated with this consolidation.

  Take away

  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency continues to direct resources to priority areas based on risk, compliance and demand in order to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

• Testing of animals for coronavirus

  Value statement

  There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in animals in Canada to date (not in livestock or in companion animals). However, there were some international notifications of infections in dogs, cats (domestic and big cats such as tigers) and mink.

  Currently, testing of animals is not recommended, unless it is necessary to assist in disease control or public health action.

  Take away

  Guidance on testing of animals has been developed by the Council of Chief Veterinary Officers and the CFIA. It has been disseminated to veterinarians and animal health laboratories.

  A network of animal health laboratories has been established for preliminary COVID-19 testing if necessary.

  Livestock producers should follow normal biosecurity measures and avoid contact with animals if they are ill, or have been in contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case in the last 14 days.

• Regulatory flexibility (Canadian Food Inspection Agency)

  Value statement

  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is taking action to preserve the integrity of Canada's food safety system, support the economy, alleviate supply disruptions in grocery stores and reduce food waste.

  • The CFIA has suspended some low-risk activities that do not immediately impact food safety.
  • Flexibility is being applied to product labelling requirements so that Canadian-made food products originally intended for food service in Canada can be redirected for sale at retail.
  • CFIA has also delayed compliance activities associated with the July 2020, coming into force of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) for the manufactured food sector.
  • In the event of meat shortages, CFIA has proactively put in place a Ministerial Exemption (ME) process to allow—on a case-by-case basis—the interprovincial movement of meat and poultry products from establishments that are not federally licensed.
  • An additional $20 million for critical inspection capacity has been allocated to the CFIA.

  Take away

  These measures aim to ease potential food shortages in the Canadian retail sector, reduce food waste and support Canada’s economy, without compromising food safety.

• Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food

  CPC — John Barlow, Foothills, AB

  

  John Barlow was first elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the riding of Macleod, AB, in 2014. He was re-elected in 2015, to represent the new riding of Foothills, AB.

  Prior to being elected to office, MP Barlow had an award-winning career as a journalist earning numerous individual awards including the Telus Editorial Excellence Award and the Gordon Scott Memorial Award presented to Alberta’s top columnist.

  Additionally, John is a respected member of several industry organizations, including the Journalism Advisory Boards at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and Mount Royal University. He remains a member of the Okotoks Rotary Club and the Okotoks Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

  John grew up in rural Saskatchewan where his family has a fourth generation business in Regina.

  Parliamentary roles

  • Critic, Agriculture and Agri-Food, November 2019 to present
  • Critic, Interprovincial Trade, 2016
  • Associate Shadow Minister, Agriculture and Agri-Food, 2016

  Committee Memberships

  • Vice-Chair, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), February 2020 to present
  • Member, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), September 2017 to September 2018

  Bills

  • C-205, An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act

  Statements on Agriculture

  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …you see the farm income down 45% in 2018 and then another drop last year. It doesn't include what we'll see next year with COVID. We've certainly heard the number of 30,000 for family farms at risk of bankruptcy, and debt levels now at $115 billion…We have seen a real lack of definitive action, something designed specifically for agriculture. How serious is the situation facing Canadian farmers right now?
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …we have a government right now that's asking agriculture to empty whatever savings you may have before it offers any tangible assistance. There is AgriInvest…Do you have an idea what funds are available in AgriInvest? I would assume that farmers rely on it as a long-term savings program. Do you know what numbers are available in AgriInvest and whether this is a tangible solution to a global pandemic?
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …CEBA to be made more available or to have better eligibility for agriculture to take advantage of that. There has been some movement on that to ensure producers can access the emergency business account, but my understanding is that the information still is not available and some financial institutions still don't have the documentation to allow agriculture producers to access that.
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …talking about the importance of global trade, and I think that as we go post-COVID it's going to be critical..about canola and soybeans to China. We've now seen China put 80% tariffs on Australian barley. Is there any concern—even on the decision with Huawei earlier this week—about what our Canadian relationship is going to be with China? There are discussions already starting on the potential ramifications of Chinese political influence on trade relationships around the world.
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …AgriStability is being touted as your tool out of here, but many times AgriStability payments come out two years down the road, while you may be facing bankruptcy. Was AgriStability ever designed for a pandemic?
  • 2020-05-28: A Saskatchewan producer called me and said that he tried to use the online AgriStability calculator. He said that most farmers can't use it, that in fact they can't put in their inventory changes. This means it will give them erroneous information. Why is the agriculture Minister touting this lifeline for farmers when it doesn't actually work? ...how much does it cost to develop this online AgriStability calculator?
  • 2020-05-22: (AGRI) …regarding temporary foreign workers coming into Canada, …Quebec and B.C. seem to be lagging far behind compared with Ontario, for example. In Quebec they're still quite short of the temporary foreign workers who are supposed to be coming in to that province. The numbers that we have seen are close to around 50%. Is that accurate and why is there such a discrepancy?
  • 2020-05-13: Dr. Charlebois said that we are on the precipice of losing 15% of our farms and that 30,000 farm families are at risk of bankruptcy. This will have a devastating effect on our rural economies. Does the Minister know the impact that losing 30,000 family farms will have on our food security and the price of groceries on the store shelves?
  • 2020-05-13: …business risk management programs don't apply to every single stakeholder and the programs are not working for the producers. There is a bottleneck right now in our processing capacity. When the Minister renounced the AgriRecovery program, funds were set aside for cattle and pork producers. When is that money going to be available, and how long will it last?
  • 2020-05-13: The cattlemen said that the set-aside funds that the Minister is talking about are already gone and did not last even two weeks. If this government isn't assisting Canadian farmers, is the government's food policy to rely on food imported from foreign countries to feed Canadian families?
  • 2020-05-13: …producers across this country have said that an exemption from the carbon tax would help them greatly during this pandemic. … the Minister must know the financial impacts that the carbon tax has on Canadian farmers. With the information that the Minister apparently has, does she agree with the Prime Minister that Canadian farmers are much better off financially by paying the carbon tax?
  • 2020-05-12: (AGRI) We've heard about AgriInvest and AgriStability, …if a farmer were to actually apply for AgriStability—and fewer than 35% actually do—on an average 1,200-acre farm they would get a cheque for $980, which is actually less than the subscription cost to get into AgriStability. There has not been a stakeholder group anywhere in the country that has said what you've announced is sufficient. For example, on the $77 million announced for the processing, …How is that going to address the bottleneck in processing capacity if those funds won't even be available until well into the fall, or maybe six months away? Do you know when those funds will be made available?

  Tweets/Media

  • 2020-05-28: Twitter post in frustration due to blocked access Grain Growers website
  • 2020-05-12: Twitter post congratulating employees at food processors
  • 2020-05-09: news article comment on government not sharing the cost the carbon tax and its impact on farmers
  • 2020-05-07: news article comment claiming agriculture funding was already budgeted

  Liberal —Lyne Bessette, Brome–Missisquoi, QC

  

  Lyne Bessette was first elected as a Member of Parliament to represents the riding of Brome – Missisquoi, QC, in 2019.

  After attending high school at Massey-Vanier, MP Bessette went on to study science at the Cégep de Sherbrooke. Around that time, she started a career as a professional cyclist, opening doors to valuable life experiences — meeting exceptional people; seeing all kinds of diversity, from extreme poverty to extreme wealth; and bearing witness to the love people feel for their region and country.

  Her impressive cycling record includes two Olympic Games, several world championships and one gold medal at the London Paralympic Games, racing in tandem with a blind cyclist. MP Bessette is a team player par excellence, and she is passionately devoted to Brome–Missisquoi.

  Committee Memberships

  • Member, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), February 2020 to present
  • Member, Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (CHPC), February 2020 to present

  Statements on Agriculture

  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …Under AgriRecovery, $150 million in new funding is being made available to farmers to help them manage the additional costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic…the federal government is open to AgriRecovery applications, but of course, jurisdictional authority has to be respected, since, as you pointed out, the program also depends on the provincial contribution under the federal-provincial framework.
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …It's important to look after our domestic interests while developing international markets…you underscored the importance of fair compensation, with ..CUSMA, coming into force soon, not to mention the…CPTPP. What should that compensation look like?
  • 2020-05-22: (AGRI) We know how important temporary foreign workers are for our producers. You just talked about the number of temporary foreign workers in the country, but I would like to hear your comments on the challenges related to those temporary foreign workers. What difficulties do those people have to overcome?... How is the current infrastructure holding up for those temporary foreign workers?
  • 2020-05-22: (AGRI) The agri-food pilot program helps integrate a specific industry approach to address the labour shortage, but as far as I have understood, there is also an immigration assistance component. What is the ultimate objective of that program and what gap is it filling?
  • 2020-05-12: (AGRI) …the $252 million in assistance announced last week… The poultry industry is of great concern to me because my constituency is home to one of Quebec's largest farms. Some growers have told me they have to euthanize chicks. Given the higher price of grain and a slowdown in the processing sector, obviously our growers are going through difficult times. How well will this first-ever Canadian program to buy unsold surplus food be put into operation, especially for poultry?
  • 2020-05-12: (AGRI) I am fortunate to have several horticultural producers in my constituency. Many are delighted with the expansion of AgriInsurance to include labour shortages as an eligible risk. This insurance program is the result of a collaborative effort between the provinces. Where are you in discussions with the provinces on expanding the AgriInsurance program to address labour shortages?

  Liberal — Kody Blois Kings–Hants, NS

  

  Kody Blois was first elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the riding of Kings–Hants, NS, in 2019.

  MP Blois is a dedicated leader with a proven record of serving his community. Born and raised in Kings–Hants, he grew up in a working-class household. He understands the priorities of the families who live there and knows what it takes to create new jobs and strengthen the middle class.

  The first member of his family to attend university, MP Blois completed degrees in commerce, law, and public administration - which sparked his interest in serving his community. His parents instilled values in him that he carries to this day: the importance of hard work, caring for others, and making a difference in any way you can.

  Committee memberships

  • Member, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), February 2020 to present
  • Member, Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PACP), February 2020 to present

  Statements on Agriculture

  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …The poultry and dairy industries..are of very strong importance…a testament to the strength of supply management and what that system means…We've talked about the cost to farmers of losing their bird population if they have to depopulate. Can that cost be recovered as part of the cost of production study? I know, like dairy, the poultry industry would consider the farmers' costs.
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …The Grain Farmers of Ontario have put out certain messaging on their concerns about empty shelves in grocery stores. Is that something you as an organization expect? …We hear a lot about business risk management and AgriStability. Of course, this was a program that was cut back in 2013.
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) ..mushroom…industry has done quite well in the last 10 years. Is this a largely labour-intensive industry? … As it relates to temporary foreign workers, I heard that 50 temporary foreign workers were outside the country…What about the margins in the mushroom industry? Is this a high value margin product? Is it low margin? Just respond as quickly as you can. Is it fair to say that most of the challenges you face in terms of bringing workers in are actually in the countries of origin, in terms of their countries opening airspace or perhaps even having their own processing? Can you explain that?
  • 2020-05-22: (AGRI) …as a government have basically put most barriers or any barriers at all out of the way, but in terms of bringing the workers in, we are seeing challenges in some of the countries of origin where these workers are coming from. Can you explain some of the challenges in countries such as Mexico, Guatemala and others that you're seeing in terms of the actual logistics of just getting these workers into the country?
  • 2020-05-15: (AGRI) …we're seeing challenges of differing degrees in the agriculture sector…You mentioned the wage subsidy. Are there any other federal programs that you have been able to take advantage of, including perhaps the Canada emergency business account?
  • 2020-05-15: (AGRI) …we know there are challenges. Can you speak to how some of the businesses are pivoting or being able to make changes as a result of COVID-19

  Tweets/Media

  • 2020-05-12: News article, Government continues working on ways to help farmers

  Liberal — Francis Drouin, Glengarry–Prescott–Russell, ON

  

  Francis Drouin was first elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the riding Glengarry–Prescott–Russell, ON, in 2015.

  MP Drouin is active on a variety of parliamentary associations such as the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie and the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group.

  MP Drouin holds a college diploma in business administration-finance from Collège La Cité and an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Ottawa. In terms of his professional experience, he worked as a special assistant in the Office of the Ontario Premier and then went on to work in the private sector as a government relations consultant. As a volunteer, MP Drouin has been a member of the Board of Directors of Collège La Cité and worked as the government relations manager for Startup Canada.

  Committee memberships

  • Member, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), February 2020 to present
  • Member, Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO), February 2020 to present
  • Member, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), January 2016 to September 2019

  Statements on Agriculture

  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI)… agriculture is that it's one of those industries that sort of falls with the federal government and falls with provincial governments…Do you believe there should be a better coordination body to deal with agriculture?
  • 2020-05-28: (COVI) …farmers are looking for labour and young people are looking for jobs. The Canada summer jobs program plays a vital role in meeting this demand. I was very pleased to hear that the government has enhanced the youth employment and skills strategy program to help create 700 new jobs for young people in the agriculture sector. Can the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food tell us when and how our farmers will be able to apply for this new program?
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI)…there had been negotiations with the government regarding compensation and TRQs. Did you base your estimate of the industry's potential losses on the Canadian dollar? The value of the U.S. dollar and that of the Canadian dollar have changed since the winter. Does that make a difference, or do you anticipate the same amount in losses?
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI)…Has your association taken a stand on the importance of allocating TRQs or import licences to companies with plants in the U.S.? Companies could simply transfer their production to the U.S. Should the same type of licence be issued regardless of whether a processor has facilities in both countries or only in Canada?
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …There were talks regarding an investment program to help the dairy processing sector with innovation and automation of its processes in order to increase production. Should that type of funding be granted according to the TRQs allocated? ..do you think the government should take the allocation of TRQs into account to ensure fairness? The cheese processing sector comes to mind, for example.
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …What will happen if the food service industry doesn't return to the way it used to be? Is your industry ready to adapt?
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …How important was it to get a proper solution regarding temporary foreign workers for Canada so that we can grow our food?
  • 2020-05-12: (COVI) …I know that Quebec has supplemented the AgriStability program. Does that mean more farmers are participating in the program? The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is asking that the same be done nationally. With 85% reference margins, is the program being used even more?

  Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary — Neil R. Ellis, Bay of Quinte, ON

  

  Neil Ellis was elected as the first Member of Parliament to represent the new riding, Bay of Quinte, ON, in 2015.

  MP Ellis has owned and operated a successful local business for nearly 30 years. From 2006-2014, he also served as Mayor of the City of Belleville. A committed leader and visionary, he championed innovative strategies to address a serious shortage of family physicians and other health practitioners in the region and also introduced local infrastructure improvements.

  During his two terms as Mayor, MP Ellis realized the importance of federal leadership to ensuring that municipal governments have reliable funding to allocate towards critical infrastructure projects and service programming. He believes this is the key to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all constituents.

  MP Ellis has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Psychology from Carleton University, in addition to a Chartered Director (C. Dir.) and Human Resources Compensation Committee Certification (H.R.C.C.C.), both professional designations through McMaster University’s Directors College programs.

  Parliamentary roles

  • Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, December 2019 to present

  Committee memberships

  • Member, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), February 2020 to present
  • Chair, Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACVA), February 2016 to September 2019
  • Member, Liaison Committee (LIAI), February 2016 to September 2019

  Statements on Agriculture

  • On May 4, 2020, MP Ellis participated in the Adjournment Debate on the topic of Canola Trade with China.
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) This goes out to the mushroom growers. I wonder how the last 10 years of your business have been. Has it been up or steady?... how has your export market been affected?.. In your seven minutes, you talked about oversupply and you talked about how you cut production back. Could you explain that?
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …farm spent $100,000 a month on PPE. I wonder what the average farm would spend. You talked about the province only allowing $7,500 per farm, which would be used very quickly. What were you looking for per farm on average?

  Liberal — Pat Finnigan Miramichi–Grand Lake, NB

  

  Pat Finnigan was first elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the riding Miramichi—Grand Lake, NB, in 2015.

  The son of a farmer, MP Finnigan grew up in Rogersville. During the late 1970s he and his wife, Lise, started their company, best known as “Mr. Tomato”. This prosperous family farming business regularly gives back to the community through their involvement in local events and fundraising for charitable organizations. MP Finnigan is also one of the founding members of the La Récolte de Chez Nous co-operative – a network in which cultivators can exchange products and promote their industry.

  MP Finnigan is very involved in his community. Among other activities, he was the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC) and President of the Kent CBDC and the Régie de la Santé de Miramichi. He was also president of the Miramichi Community Action Committee, and a member of the Ministry of Agriculture’s round table. He has received recognition on numerous occasions for his community involvement. In 2008, he received the Award of Excellence from the Province of New Brunswick for his community leadership and the Kent County Citizen of the Year Award, and in 2011, the New Brunswick Institute of Agrologists awarded him the Louis Hébert Award.

  MP Finnigan holds a technical diploma in phytology from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College.

  Committee Memberships

  • Chair, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), February 2020 to present
  • Chair, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), January 2016 to September 2019
  • Member, Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, January 2016 to September 2019
  • Member, Liaison Committee (LIAI), February 2016 to September 2019

  Statements on Agriculture

  N/A

  CPC — Richard Lehoux, Beauce, QC

  

  Richard Lehoux was first elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the riding of Beauce, QC, in 2019.

  A former President of the Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM), MP Lehoux is a strong champion of regions. He is really passionate about municipal politics.

  Born in 1956, Mayor of Saint-Elzéar from 1998 to 2017 and Reeve of the Nouvelle-Beauce RCM from 2000 to 2017, MP Lehoux was a member of the Board of the FQM between 2001 and 2017. He was Vice-President from 2010 to 2014 and Interim President for three months in 2012, before his election as President, a position he held between 2014 and 2017. MP Lehoux played a leading role in all battles and all gains of the FQM in recent years: Phase 3 of the National Rurality Policy, Framework Act on the occupation and the vitality of territories, Commission of Inquiry on the awarding and management of public contracts in the construction industry, Mines Act, Partnership with the government in 2016-2019.

  He was also Vice-President of the Mutuelle des municipalités du Québec (MMQ) since its foundation by the FQM in 2003, and was President from 2017 to June 2018.

  MP Lehoux is the father of three children and grand-father of nine grandchildren. As an agriculture entrepreneur and fourth generation dairy farmer, he exported his savoir-faire on the international stage. Now, he puts his expertise and his passion to the service of municipalities and regions of Quebec.

  Committee membership

  • Member, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), February 2020 to present

  Statements on agriculture

  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …the emergency fund for assistance for processors, which was implemented in the context of COVID-19…The program that was launched provides $77 million. My understanding is that not all data is currently available, but what is the extent of this? I have already put the question to other producers from the agrifood sector, who have also had to incur significant costs.
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …the potential impact of the import issue…the direct consequences could result in a considerable cost to egg producers if better ways of doing business are not adopted…previous agreements that were signed under the CPTPP. Tariff rate quotas have a significant effect. What we've heard regularly here in the committee is that it's important to bring the management of these quotas, whether for production or processing, as close as possible to the first stage, that is, production.
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …how much of the money pledged by the government to compensate for the agreements with the European Union and the countries in the Asia–Pacific region still has to be paid out?... No doubt, that money would help preserve stability in Canada's dairy production.
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …CUSMA is coming into force on July 1, 2020,…the government doesn't have an agreement with dairy farmers either. For the past two and a half months, though, the government has been handing out pretty big sums to different sectors of the economy daily…You stand shoulder to shoulder with your fellow farmers in other supply-managed sectors. The government hasn't signalled anything to them either about possible compensation for the cracks in supply management caused by the agreement.
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …the allocation of TRQs would have repercussions. In response to the current COVID-19 crisis, the government announced $77 million in compensation for the processing sector, but that doesn't come close to meeting the need. What's more, the program isn't quite tailored to Canada's dairy processing sector.
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …a way must be found to make the temporary permit renewal process easier for full-time temporary workers who are not seasonal employees. That process must really be made easier because agricultural businesses, including farmers, need those workers.
  • 2020-05-13: …CUSMA, the new agreement with the Americans. There are still some important points to negotiate, in particular with respect to tariff quotas. We have heard a number of times and in different studies in committee that producers and processors early in the production chain should be allocated as much of these quotas as possible.
  • 2020-05-13: …Bill C-16, which seeks to amend existing legislation on the loan capacity of the Canadian Dairy Commission. Although this amendment is welcome and important, I wonder what took the government so long to get around to it…It is very important to note that many industry stakeholders have told me this legislative change is about two weeks too late.
  • 2020-05-13: …Canadian Federation of Agriculture said that without immediate assistance, Canada could lose up to 15% of our farms because of COVID-19. That is about 30,000 farms. I cannot even begin to express how devastating that is to hear. Canada has had a very weak response to COVID-19 in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
  • 2020-05-13: …Canadian Cattlemen's Association told us the other day in committee that the money [$50 million] was appreciated but that it was used up two weeks ago to cover the extra feed needed because of the pandemic. The government does not seem to understand … that our national food security and our sovereignty are in jeopardy.
  • 2020-05-13: …many of Canada's supply-managed industries are still waiting for announcements regarding their sector. …We keep hearing that the AgriRecovery program will fix things for this sector. Unfortunately, the program covers only cull costs, not the value of the birds themselves. Plus, this program does not help processors if culling happens at the plants.
  • 2020-05-13: …people have been saying for more than five years now that these [BRM] programs are not working because people have to exhaust all their resources before they can access them. For the past two and a half years, these programs have apparently been undergoing an overhaul.

  Tweets/Media

  • 2020-05-13: news article comment calling for help for pork and beef producers
  • 2020-05-08: statement charging the 100 million to help livestock producers not enough

  Liberal — Tim Louis, Kitchener–Conestoga, ON

  

  Tim Louis was first elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the riding of Kitchener—Conestoga, ON, in 2019.

  As a successful business owner, professional musician, and community charity volunteer, MP Louis is a community leader who understands how to create well-paying new jobs for the families of Kitchener—Conestoga. He has lived in the Forest Heights area of Kitchener for the past 25 years, where he and his wife are raising their two children. His involvement in local community initiatives allows him to have an understanding of our communities and the families that work hard everyday to create a better life for everyone in Kitchener—Conestoga.

  MP Louis has firsthand experience with the challenges that middle-class families face every day. He understands the connections to the manufacturing sector, the arts, the tech sector, as well as farming and agriculture.

  Committee memberships

  • Member, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), February 2020 to present
  • Member, Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (CHPC), February 2020 to present

  Statements on Agriculture

  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …measures you took to protect your employees…diversity and inclusion and the mental health aspect of keeping workers safe…especially in the agriculture sector, is that people's employees are like their families.

  Tweets/Media

  • 2020-06-04: Twitter post: Support our local farmers and vendors

  NDP — Alistair MacGregor, Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, BC

  

  Alistair MacGregor was first elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the riding of Cowichan–Malahat–Langford, BC, in 2015.

  MP MacGregor is a strong advocate for agriculture and lives in the Cowichan Valley with his family on a small farming property. He currently serves as the NDP’s Critic for Agriculture, Rural Economic Development, and as Deputy Critic for Justice.

  He has been actively engaging constituents on issues such as climate change, housing, pensions, salmon habitat, and the clean energy economy of the future. A former forestry worker, MP MacGregor has been an advocate for community-based agriculture with a focus on promoting environmental sustainability and ending food insecurity.

  Parliamentary roles

  • Critic, Agriculture and Agri-Food, November 2019 to present
  • Critic, Rural Economic Development, November 2019 to present
  • Deputy Critic, Justice, November 2019 to present

  Committee memberships

  • Member, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), February 2020 to present
  • Member, Standing Joint committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (REGS), February 2020 to present
  • Vice-Chair, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), January 31, 2018 to September 11, 2019

  Statements on agriculture

  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …the Constitution of Canada, it's interesting to note that section 95 clearly gives the federal government the authority to make laws in relation to agriculture. With regard to any comments that we need to wait for the provinces, the federal government could actually step in and make the fixes to AgriStability, if it so wished.
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …canola growers. I'd like to expand on your comments about the Canadian fuel standards…Cowichan Energy Alternatives…have sort of a bioenergy cluster where they're turning used cooking fuel into a diesel additive…Putting this in the context that I don't think our relations with China are going to get better any time soon, I'd like you to illustrate more about what kind of an economic shot in the arm this could represent if we got a clear direction from the federal government that we want these kinds of renewable fuel standards in place. What kind of investment would that lead to, especially in refining capacity in turning canola oil into a usable fuel additive? If we're going to build that kind of resiliency and have agriculture lead the way, absolutely, I think, for our economic recovery....
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …given the new conditions in the workplace, what your output is going to be like when we get back to normal. You had a business model that worked with employees sometimes working very closely together. You still have the same floor-space, but now they have to work farther apart in different shifts. What's your output going to be like in a year from now? Are you going to be able to come back to the levels you once had a year or so ago?
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …We are an incredibly wealthy nation that produces an abundance of food, but we still have so much food insecurity.
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …our committee was engaged in a study on the business risk management programs and a litany of complaints that exist. Our federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food said … that farmers, growers and producers need to access already announced support programs in order for her to make the case in cabinet that more money is warranted. You're saying those programs are hard to access, but she's saying you need to access them before she makes the case for more money.
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) We hear repeatedly from every one of our witnesses about the great concerns they have with our access to a reliable labour pool. One of the themes I've been trying to build is how to build resilience into our system…A pilot program and a pathway to citizenship is something that has been talked about for some time…
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) Regarding the TRQ, the tariff rate quota allocation, I understand the arguments for why our processors need to have more TRQs to give in-depth understanding of the local markets and make sure our domestic supply of dairy products is not interrupted by foreign imports. However, can you give me a sense, if we do get that increased TRQ allocation secured for you, what that's going to mean in terms of an economic shot in the arm that will help your processors lead in your regions, as part of our economic recovery to this crisis?
  • 2020-05-15: (AGRI) The government has painted a slightly rosier picture than the reality on the ground for your members; however, we want to look at ways we can address [reliable labour pool] effectively.
  • 2020-05-15: (AGRI) …Canadian Produce Marketing Association. I'm …your mentioning the deemed trust, the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. Correct me if I'm wrong; I believe in the last Parliament we had unanimous recommendations for such a body from two standing committees.
  • 2020-05-15: (AGRI) …A lot of the essential industries have not necessarily seen their gross revenues go down, because they're still operating, but their costs have absolutely shrunk their net income. Is that really very much in line with what your industry members are hearing and why they're still falling through the cracks of the Canada emergency wage subsidy?

  Tweets/Media

  • 2020-05-13: Twitter post about the weakness in our food supply
  • 2020-05-07: News article comment about the financial aid to agriculture is failing the sector’s needs

  BQ — Yves Perron, Berthier–Maskinongé, QC

  

  Yves Perron was first elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the riding of Berthier–Maskinongé, QC, in 2019.

  With a background in social sciences and humanities, up to the 2019 election, MP Perron was teaching highschool history in Saint-Félix-de-Valois. MP Perron also has a keen interest in economics, administration, communication, and political science. He has been very involved with the youth in his community, especially through various cultural projects and humanitarian trips.

  MP Perron has chaired several civil and political organizations and has been the national president of the Bloc Québécois since August 2018.

  Parliamentary roles

  • Critic, Agriculture and Agri-Food, November 2019 to present

  Committee membership

  • Vice-Chair, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), February 2020 to present

  Statements on Agriculture

  • 2020-06-01: (COVI) The dairy industry has been sacrificed several times in trade agreements. The government's broken promises are piling up. The payment of compensation is still uncertain. Action must be taken. The first step must be the direct allocation of import quotas to processors, and the second must be the full payment of the promised compensation. We demand a formal commitment from the government.
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …that supply management protects sectors and that, during this pandemic period, there has been less negotiation on the government side. I would still like this to be remembered and be on the record because it is a major argument. I assume you would agree with us protecting those systems through legislation in the future in order to avoid further breaches.
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council…are in an open market….don't have the privileges of supply-managed producers, who can absorb the blows of certain variations…measures to protect your workers have been extremely important and very costly and that the amounts currently invested in this regard were not sufficient…AgriRecovery and a wage subsidy could be solutions.
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …processor quotas under the free trade agreements that have been negotiated, and their impact…what will happen if we repeat the mistake made in other agreements, that is to say give too large a percentage to people who are not related to the sector
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …I’m pleased, because all my colleagues seem to understand the importance of maintaining this system. I suppose that you would be in favour of potential legislation that protects supply management to ensure that the system is no longer affected
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …if tariff rate quotas, or quotas, aren't allocated overwhelmingly to processors, this increases the losses for the industry. This will increase the need for compensation in a different way…what will happen if we repeat the mistake made in other agreements, that is to say give too large a percentage to people who are not related to the sector
  • 2020-05-26: …What does he think of the timid, even ridiculous, support that the federal government has offered the agricultural sector since the start of the pandemic? Specifically, how does he feel about the Minister frequently saying that farmers just need to take the money from AgriInvest? That is the same as telling a student that they will get a benefit as long as they empty out their bank account.
  • 2020-05-13: … we were told that the existing programs do not meet the needs. Of course, today's bill is very positive, and we are going to support it. When will the new announcements be made regarding new investments, particularly with regard processor quotas to the AgriAssurance program?
  • 2020-05-13: … many supply-managed sectors have yet to receive compensation. The announcements have not been made yet, but these sectors are calling for modernization programs, among other things.
  • 2020-05-13: …support being offered to the agricultural industry across Canada, compared to what is being done globally, including in the United States, for example. What does he think will happen to our food security over the medium and long term if more is not done?

  Tweets/Media

  • 2020-06-01: Twitter highlighting World Milk Day, let's take part in the local consumption movement and rediscover the exceptional products of our dairy producers and processors.
  • 2020-05-15: News article highlighting his support for the dairy sector and Bill C-16 (CDC increased borrowing capacity)

  CPC — Lianne Rood, Lambton–Kent–Middlesex, ON

  

  Lianne Rood was first elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the riding of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON, in 2019.

  MP Rood is an entrepreneur and farmer with a background in politics and small business. She grew up on a 1,000-acre vegetable farm in Grand Bend, Ontario, and is equally comfortable in potato fields as she is in the boardroom. After receiving an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Sociology from the University of Windsor in 2003, she worked in Ottawa as a political staffer for six years.

  Parliamentary roles

  • Deputy Shadow Minister, Agriculture and Agri-Food, December 2019 to present

  Committee membership

  • Member, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), February 2020 to present

  Statements on agriculture

  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …there's massive stress out in the industry with regard to labour shortage, especially in our produce industry…We've heard that some of these farmers are cutting back production by as much as 25%, partially due to the fact that we are low in our numbers for seasonal workers arriving…In terms of food security and our skilled workers, how do you anticipate this playing out in the industry over the course of the planting that's still going on, as well as looking forward to the harvest?
  • 2020-05-27: (AGRI) …you also mentioned massive stresses. I'm wondering if you can touch on integrity audits. We've heard some negative things about those. …A farmer's greatest fear right now is not the weather; a fruit and vegetable farmer's greatest fear right now is an audit by the integrity branch.
  • 2020-05-22: (AGRI) …last week with regard to the number of workers who have arrived in Canada. Some were saying that 90% of temporary foreign workers were here. However, that's not what I am hearing from industry. For instance, I'm hearing that on the seasonal agricultural worker program, we've only received about 78% of the workers who should have been here at this point.
  • 2020-05-22: (AGRI) Seed corn growers in Ontario are having a difficult time this year finding enough labour domestically, in part due to the Canada emergency student benefit acting as a disincentive to work. As well, corn growers aren't able to use TFWs because their commodity is not on the national commodity list. They've requested that seed corn be added to the national commodity list. Is this being looked into, and is this something that the government supports?
  • 2020-05-20: (COVI) Government support for Canadian agriculture has been woefully inadequate. As a result, fruit and vegetable producers are cutting back their production by as much as 25%. This will have a profound impact on our food security.
  • 2020-05-20: (COVI)…the U.S. President made remarks about considering terminating trade deals that would require the United States to import cattle. This is extremely concerning for Canada's cattle industry.
  • 2020-05-15: (COVI)…Our seasonal agricultural workers and temporary foreign workers play an integral part in the produce industry especially…We're still missing a lot of workers. There are issues with paperwork for some of our workers coming from some places. How is that going to affect our food supply down the road as we look into the fall with volume that we may or may not see as farmers may cut back on their acreage this year?
  • 2020-05-15: (AGRI)…for the farmers who you deal with on a yearly basis, obviously with production going to be down....a lot of health and safety processes …which slow down production and mean that you can't produce as much through the facility…Also, you rely heavily on food service distribution products versus retail products. How is that going to affect the farmers and their supply chain…

  Tweets/Media

  • 2020-06-01: Twitter post celebrating world milk day
  • 2020-05-30: Twitter post highlighting inadequacy of federal aid programs for Agriculture
  • 2020-05-30: Twitter post criticizing Minister Bibeau's lack of support to farmers
  • 2020-05-26: Twitter post about apple trees blossoming despite challenges in food sector
  • 2020-05-21: Twitter post highlighting more needs to be done to support food supply
  • 2020-05-20: Twitter post regarding Trump's remarks on banning Canadian beef and impact on cattle industry
  • 2020-05-20: Twitter post about inadequate support for Ag sector from QP in house in Commons
  • 2020-05-11: Twitter post about the Government letting down farmers once again
  • 2020-05-08: Twitter post about the carbon tax being harmful especially to the Agriculture sector

  CPC — Gerald Soroka Yellowhead, AB

  

  Gerald Soroka was first elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the riding Yellowhead, AB, in 2019.

  MP Soroka resides on a farm north of Evansburg on the original homestead that his grandparents moved to in May of 1930. He has lived there his entire life making him a third generation Yellowhead county resident.

  Having been raised on the farm it was an easy progression for him to continue farming after graduating from Grand Trunk High School. He farmed and had two off the farm jobs over the next ten years until he went full time farming. During this time, he was Vice President and President of West Central Forage Association as well as Vice President of the Alberta Forage Council.

  Looking to solve problems at a larger scale, Gerald went on to serve as a Division one Councillor and Mayor of Yellowhead County before making the jump to federal politics. During his time as Mayor, he was also elected as Vice President of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (Now RMA) from 2008 to 2010.

  Committee membership

  • Member, Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI), February 2020 to present

  Statements at the Special Committee on COVID-19

  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …the staggering debt load that farmers have right now, yet the government talks about how they've helped farmers by increasing the Farm Credit Canada by $5 billion. I've never understood how you're going to borrow your way out of debt.
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …the Minister has moved the next FPT meeting to October but had promised a decision on the BRM review for July. Has the Minister reached out to the Grain Growers or maybe the AGgrowth Coalition to create a forum in which discussions could continue
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …the AgriStability application deadlines extended to July 3, 2020, how important is it for the grain farmers to see the Minister's promised BRM reforms prior to this deadline?
  • 2020-05-29: (AGRI) …on the advance payment program you've been offering for many years through the government,…Because of the start of April 1 and a lot of staff delays and that, how is this going to impact the producers? I know that even the person who's renting my farmland doesn't have the money…Are some of these people now potentially not going to have money to buy fertilizer and cover input costs? Will they essentially go bankrupt because they cannot get access to these funds that have been on a yearly basis for them?
  • 2020-05-12: (AGRI) I know that the set-aside program only covers pay for the feed and doesn't cover the cost of the loss of the calf, but how long will the dollars last to pay for this feed anyway?