Minister’s briefing notes: Main Estimates, May 27, 2021

Table of Contents

  • Sector overview

    How is the agriculture and agri-food sector performing amidst ongoing challenges as a result of COVID-19?

    Value statement - Sector overview

    While the sector faced unprecedented challenges this past year, the sector continues to demonstrate its resiliency.

    • Delivered over $6.5 billion in response to COVID-19.
    • 2020 — record year for grain and oilseed production and shipments, and prices.
    • 2020 — a record year for exports of Canadian food products, up 10.4% compared to 2019; 2021 is currently on track to be another record breaking year.
    • Reached an agreement to remove the Reference Margin Limit from AgriStability, payments to Canadian farmers will increase by $95 million each year.
    • Delivering on commitment :
      • $2 billion for dairy farmers
      • $691 million for chicken, egg, broiler hatching egg and turkey farmers
      • $292.5 million proposed in Budget 2021 for processors
    • New investments for the Agricultural Clean Technology program, and Agricultural Climate Solutions

    Take away - Sector overview

    Our Government is working hard to position Canada's agriculture sector as a global leader in sustainable and inclusive growth.

  • AAFC's 2021–2022 Main Estimates

    AAFC's 2021–2022 Main Estimates are $3.023 billion. What is that funding for?

    Value statement - AAFC's 2021–2022 Main Estimates

    The funding represents the fourth of five years of the Business Continuity Plan and will be used to capitalize on opportunities, strengthen its competitive advantage, anticipate and manage business risks and foster sustainable growth.

    • 60% for Canadian Agriculture Partnership
    • $469 million Dairy Direct Payment Program
    • Does not yet include Budget 2021 funding of $298 million for 2021–2022 (Emergency Food Security Fund, Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program and Agricultural Climate Solutions)

    Take away - AAFC's 2021–2022 Main Estimates

    AAFC's total authorities for 2021–2022 have a net increase of $483.4 million compared to the 2020–2021 Main Estimates. This net increase is primarily attributable to supporting the supply managed dairy producers (for the Dairy Direct Payment Program), as they adjust to the impact of recent Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreements.

  • Budget 2021

    What announcements were made in Budget 2021 that support the agriculture and agri-food sector?

    Value statement - Budget 2021

    Budget 2021 lays out significant investments to get Canadians and Canadian businesses through the pandemic and into recovery.

    • $140 million to top up the Emergency Food Security Fund and Local Food Infrastructure Fund (SUPPS A)
    • $57.6 million to extend the Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program (SUPPS A)
    • An additional $200 million for Agricultural Climate Solutions (SUPPS B)
    • An estimated $100 million (in the first year) returned from the price on pollution directly to farmers
    • $50 million of the $165.7 million Agricultural Clean Technology program for the purchase of more efficient grain dryers and $10 million towards powering farms with clean energy (SUPPS A)
    • $325 million over 7 years to help supply managed processors adapt to CETA and CPTPP
    • $101 million over 2 years to support the Canadian wine sector
    • $2.5 million in 2022-23 in additional funding to support the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program, led by ESDC.

    Take away - Budget 2021

    The agriculture and agri-food sector has a key role to play in economic recovery and can continue to count on the support of the Government of Canada during this unprecedented time.

  • Business risk management programs negotiations

    Would you commit to working with the provinces to find a way to make further changes happen if they aren't able to put in their 40% share?

    Value statement - Business risk management programs negotiations

    To enhance fairness and predictability of business risk management programs, federal provincial and territorial ministers recently agreed to remove the Reference Margin Limit for AgriStability and to make this change retroactive to the 2020 program year.

    • $56.7 million per year of new government support
    • The federal proposal to increase the compensation rate from 70%, up to 80% is still on the table for consideration by the provinces and territories
    • Business risk management programs are cost-shared and require consensus
    • The increase to the compensation rate would result in about $43 million per year of additional federal government support

    Take away - Business risk management programs negotiations

    The Government wants change in the short term and will work hard to deliver this for Canadian farmers. The proposed enhancements to AgriStability will result in a significant increase in support to Canadian producers who need it most.

  • 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.

    • $35 million Emergency On-Farm Support Fund
      • $142 million - Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program, until August 31, 2021
    • $83.5 million - Emergency Processing Fund
    • April 2021 arrivals represented 110% of April 2020 arrivals
    • Tailored approach for Temporary Foreign Workers under border measures to address challenges with new public health requirements

    Take away - Labour/Temporary Foreign Workers

    Working with partners at all levels for the 2021 season to ensure that public health requirements are met and that workers can arrive safely on farm so agricultural activities can take place across the country.

  • Support to Canadian meat processors

    What are you doing to support Canadian-based meat processors to increase processing capacity and flexibility, especially for smaller plants? What is your long-term vision for support of small-scale processors in small rural communities?

    Value statement - Support to Canadian meat processors

    Despite significant challenges posed by COVID-19, meat processors have worked tirelessly, overcoming major operational challenges to continue to supply food to Canadians and the world during the pandemic.

    • Committed to serving domestic market
    • Stringent worker health and safety measures
    • Build strong local supply chains
    • Local Food Infrastructure Fund
    • Emergency Processing Fund
    • Investment from Budget 2021

    Take away - Support to Canadian meat processors

    A strong meat processing industry is essential. Although processors face challenges, they continue to provide enough food during COVID-19.

  • Retail fees

    Industry is actively putting forward proposals in response to the issue of retail fees, and appealing to government to take action. Will the federal government commit to the adoption of a Code of Conduct for the grocery retail sector?

    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.

    • We are exploring whether a Code of Conduct is the right solution for Canada
    • Provinces have a lead role and we will collaboratively seek solutions
    • AAFC and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec are co-chairing a working group on retail fees with provinces
    • Working group will evaluate options at federal and provincial levels

    Take away - Retail fees

    We are committed to ensuring Canada has the appropriate conditions for all supply chain partners to prosper. The working group is meeting regularly and aims to propose concrete actions for Ministers by July 2021.

  • Food Waste Reduction Challenge

    Food waste is a major problem. What are you doing to tackle it?

    Value statement - Food Waste Reduction Challenge

    The Food Waste Reduction Challenge (The Challenge) is a $20 million initiative finding innovative ways of reducing food waste in Canada.

    • Food waste represents 8% of world's greenhouse gas emissions
    • More than half of Canada's food supply is wasted every year — over $50 billion in avoidable food waste.
    • The Challenge addresses food loss and waste across the supply chain, through two streams:
      • Business Models: 24 semi- finalists will receive $100,000 (out of 343 applications). Looking for projects ready to be commercialized.
      • Technology: will launch in late Spring 2021, focusing on advancing novel technologies in the prototyping phase.

    Take away - Food Waste Reduction Challenge

    Reducing food loss and waste can help save consumers money, improve food security, and support efficiency in the agriculture and food sector, all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This challenge will help accelerate and advance diverse and high-impact solutions to food waste in Canada.

  • Agriculture and the environment

    What is the Government of Canada doing to minimize the agricultural sector's impact on the environment?

    Value statement - Agriculture and the environment

    Our government is committed to supporting farmers and ranchers to contribute to environmental goals as they are an integral part of the climate change solution.

    • $185 million over ten years for Agricultural Climate Solutions.
    • Additional $200 million to implement immediate, on- farm climate action in the areas of nitrogen management, rotational grazing and cover cropping.
    • $165.7 million over 7 years for new Agricultural Clean Technology program to help farmers adopt clean tech and reduce greenhouse gasses.
    • New national target to reduce fertilizer emissions
    • Developing a Canadian Agri- environmental strategy to guide sectors action towards 2030 and 2050

    Take away - Agriculture and the environment

    Our Government is investing in programs, science and innovation to support the sector in developing solutions that will increase environmental sustainability and fight climate change, while creating economic opportunities.

  • Proposed clean fuel regulations

    Economic impact of proposed regulation including Land Use and Biodiversity Criteria

    Value statement - Proposed clean fuel regulations

    Canadian production of biofuels is an important opportunity for our sector to expand domestic and international markets, based on agricultural practices that are sustainable and support biodiversity.

    • Draft Clean Fuel Regulations published on December 19, 2020
    • AAFC has provided expert advice, data and analysis in support of concerns raised by industry stakeholders and this has resulted in considerable progress in the proposed regulations
    • ECCC is reviewing comments to inform decisions on potential changes

    Take away - Proposed clean fuel regulations

    Clean Fuel Regulations will promote the development and use of low- carbon fuels from sustainable agricultural practices while also supporting innovation and furthering the sector's contribution to clean growth. We will continue working closely with ECCC to ensure land use criteria make sense for agricultural stakeholders.

    Supplemental information to proposed clean fuel regulations

    Background

    As part of the Government of Canada climate change commitment's, the Clean Fuel Regulations are expected to double the current demand for biofuels by 2030, leading to more biofuel market opportunities for Canadian grains and oilseed farmers.

    The draft regulations published in Canada Gazette I on December 19, 2020 include some proposed criteria on land use and biodiversity to help ensure that feedstocks used for the biofuels are produced in a sustainable manner.

    Before and during the consultation process, which closed on March 4, 2021, stakeholders from grains, oilseeds, and biofuels sectors submitted comments, many of which reflected concerns on how agricultural feedstocks will comply with the land use and biodiversity criteria.

    AAFC has been engaged with ECCC and industry stakeholders throughout the entire regulatory process to help ensure that the land use and biodiversity criteria reflect the sustainable practices of Canadian grain farmers.

    ECCC are in the process of reviewing and analyzing these comments. Final publication of the regulations are expected to be in late 2021 and AAFC will continue to work with ECCC and our industry stakeholders to help ensure that the land use criteria works for agricultural stakeholders.

  • Canada–United States Relations

    What is the Government of Canada doing to ensure Canada–United States relations thrive under the Biden Administration?

    Value statement - Canada–United States Relations

    Our Government continues to work to strengthen the bilateral relationship and collaboratively address issues.

    • Each other's top export market for all goods
    • Canada-U.S. bilateral agricultural trade was approximately CAD$1.3 billion a week in 2020, for a total of CAD$67.6 billion
    • Integrated, globally competitive supply chain
    • Shared priorities include COVID recovery, food security, environment, rules-based trade
    • Productive call with Secretary Vilsack (March 2): raised important points (e.g. Country-of-Origin Labelling (COOL), Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), environment, food security)

    Take away - Canada–United States Relations

    AAFC is in regular communication with the new Administration and key U.S. stakeholders to ensure our trade and supply chains remain strong, maximize collaboration on shared objectives, and advance Canadian interests.

  • Canola market access

    What is the Government of Canada doing to restore full market access for canola to China?

    Value statement - Canola market access

    We are using every avenue possible to fully restore access for canola seed exports to the Chinese market.

    • 2020 canola seed exports to China: $1.5 billion (+76% vs 2019 — $822 million)
    • Market diversification efforts have seen canola seed exports increase in important markets in the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe
    • Continue engagement efforts with China to find a science and rules- based solution

    Take away - Canola market access

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

  • Compensation for dairy industry

    How much compensation was provided during the fiscal year, which ended on March 31? When will you announce the details of compensation measures related to the impacts of CUSMA on the dairy sector?

    Value statement - Compensation for dairy industry

    As we did with Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), our government will fully and fairly compensate dairy farmers for the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

    • $1.75 billion over 4 years in direct payment
    • $345 million in 2019-2020
    • $468 million in 2020-2021
      • Over 9,600 dairy farmers registered to receive their year 2 payment.
    • $469 million in 2021–2022
    • $468 million in 2022-23
    • $2 billion total in compensation for dairy producers for impacts of Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

    Take away - Compensation for dairy industry

    The Government remains committed to providing full and fair compensation to dairy producers and processors for the impacts of Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

  • Compensation for SM4

    What are the details of the programs initially announced as compensation for poultry and egg producers in November 2020? When will the Government provide details on CUSMA compensation?

    Value statement - Compensation for SM4

    The Government has delivered 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 (CPTPP) and will do the same for the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

    • $691 million for 10-year programs that directly respond to industry asks
    • Nearly $630 million for a 10-year Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program
    • Over $61 million for a 10-year Market Development Program for Turkey and Chicken
    • On-farm Investment Program to launch later this spring
    • The department recognizes the unique situation of Atlantic hatching egg producers. AAFC's allocation, which was developed in close consultation with the Hatching Egg Producers of Canada, is fair and consistent for all producers in Canada.

    Take away - Compensation for SM4

    The Government remains committed to providing full and fair compensation to poultry and egg producers for the impacts of CUSMA.

  • 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

    We have met our commitment to fully and fairly compensate dairy, poultry and egg processors for the impacts of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and will do the same for the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

    • $292.5 million through Budget 2021 for a 7-year Processor Investment Fund
    • $100 million through the Dairy Processing Investment Fund (105 approved projects)

    Take away - Compensation for processors

    We remain committed to providing full and fair compensation to processors of supply-managed commodities for the impacts of CUSMA.

  • 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 license is required under the Safe Food for Canadians Act.

    • Interprovincial trade falls under federal jurisdiction
    • The outcome-based requirements in the Safe Food for Canadian Regulations provide industry flexibility to achieve food safety outcomes
    • Can become federally licensed to expand their markets to trade inter-provincially
    • 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
    • Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, FPT cost-shared programs offer funding to access and develop markets domestically and internationally.

    Take away - Interprovincial food trade

    The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories to address their concerns related to inter-provincial trade.

  • 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 strengthens food systems and helps communities access safe and nutritious food. The second phase was launched in June 2020.

    • Phase 1: 483 applications received, 362 projects funded, worth a total of $6.6 million
    • Phase 2: 486 applications to date, funding requests totaling over
    • $52 million, with over $18 million funded to date
    • $340 million to support emergency hunger relief organizations, including

    $140 million from Budget 2021

    • Working to allocate this to help emergency hunger relief organizations prevent hunger, strengthen food security in our communities, and provide nutritious food to more Canadians.

    Take away - Local Food Infrastructure Fund

    Local food organizations are helping Canadians put food on their tables, and now, more than ever they need our support.

  • Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act

    If the government is already recognizing that there is a need for agricultural sectors to have this protection without requiring a demonstration, why have we not yet seen any action from your government on putting in place a mechanism that would actually provide the same kind of protection to the fresh fruit and vegetable sectors?

    Value statement - Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act

    Our system provides for a single organization to resolve disputes where fresh produce sellers do not receive payment. We continue to engage with industry to support resolution of disputes.

    • Continued Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act access in the United States
    • Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation ensures adherence
    • Insolvency losses: less than 0.1% of total sales
    • Deemed trust shifts costs and risks to other creditors
    • 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

    We invite the industry to work with the government to explore other options that might help to address financial protection for produce sellers.

  • 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

    The initial response to the pandemic in the agricultural sector was based on Canada's all-hazards response plan. The plan now focuses on critical challenges affecting the food supply chain.

    • Farm Credit Canada (FCC) — $5 billion additional lending
    • $100 million — Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund
    • Expanded Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) borrowing by $200 million
    • $20 million — CFIA — food inspection Support for food security
    • $125 million — National AgriRecovery Initiative
    • $87.5 million — Emergency Processing Fund for food processors
    • $142 million — Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Worker Program
    • $35 million — Emergency On-Farm Support Fund
    • $50 million — Surplus Food Rescue program
    • $340 million — to local food organizations under the Local Food Infrastructure Fund and the Emergency Food Security Fund

    Take away - Emergency response plan for the food system

    Governments are working with industry stakeholders and businesses to ensure Canadians continue to have access to safe and nutritious food on their grocery store shelves and kitchen tables.

  • Neonicotinoids in Canada

    Through final decisions recently released, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) reversed its original proposal to ban all outdoor uses of neonicotinoid pesticides. Do you support the continued use of these chemicals?

    Value statement - Neonicotinoids in Canada

    Our government values the importance of sound data to support rigorous, science-based regulation and use. PMRA has announced new science-based decisions that differ from the original proposal. A limited number of uses have been dropped, impacting some commodities (for example, potatoes and blueberries).

    • Importance of pest control
    • Support Canadian growers' access to safe, effective products
    • Support scientific decisions through partnerships
    • Continue researching alternatives

    Take away - Neonicotinoids in Canada

    Pest Management Regulatory Agency's science-based regulatory process ensures Canadian farmers have access to crop protection products critical to the cultivation of healthy and affordable food that meet modern health, safety and environmental standards.

  • 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
    • A two-year transition period, until February 2022, for certain provisions continues to enable industry to work through logistical issues
    • Continued industry outreach with all sectors

    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. CFIA is working in close collaboration with industry to assist them in implementing the new regulations.

  • Research and development

    Can you share with us some of those investments in research and innovation?

    Value statement - Research and development

    Our Government is investing in research that will help increase competitiveness and sustainability of agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada.

    • $690 million Canadian Agricultural Partnership:
      • AgriScience clusters ($181.7 million for 19 clusters);
      • AgriScience Projects ($56.7 million for 60 projects)
    • $185 million 10-year Agricultural Climate Solutions
    • $30 million to advance research in agricultural genomics
    • $70 million Advancing Agricultural Innovation and Discovery Science:
      • Hiring up to 75 new scientists
      • Living Laboratories Initiative
    • Budget 2021 proposes $60 million over two years, starting in 2021–2022, to the Innovation Superclusters Initiative.

    Take away - Research and development

    Our investments in research and innovation directly support key priorities of the agricultural and agri-food sector to the benefit of the Canadian economy and every-day lives of Canadians.

  • Spent fowl (border controls)

    Chicken Farmers of Canada funded the development and proposed the introduction of a DNA test, which would be easy and not very expensive to implement during the inspections that are already carried out at the point of arrival. Is the department working on this? Is there an opening to introduce this?

    Value statement - Spent fowl (border controls)

    Our government is taking steps to address concerns of import predictability and effective border controls for supply- managed commodities.

    • The database for the DNA test proposed by Chicken Farmers of Canada is not complete enough to cover all lineage of poultry used in the industry
    • Using this test could potentially create legal repercussions ("burden of proof" gaps) if the possibility of misclassification of spent fowl exists
    • CBSA conducted several trade compliance activities since 2016
    • A total of $178 million in duty and $127,000 in Administrative Monetary Penalties were assessed in the last round of priority verifications
    • Government is investing on enhancing CBSA's risk-based compliance verifications activities

    Take away - Spent fowl (border controls)

    The government maintains robust compliance verifications of supply-managed goods in Canada.

    Responsive

    • The database for the DNA test method by Trent University and proposed by Chicken Farmers of Canada is not complete enough to cover all lineage of poultry breeds used in the industry.
    • If the government were to use DNA testing to collect import tariffs and it were challenged in court on this approach, the government could lose its case on the basis that the sampling and shipping procedures do not provide for a secure chain of custody of evidence.

  • PMB 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 - PMB 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 (such as 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
    • CFIA provides technical advice and guidance to industry and provinces/territories on biosecurity measures

    Take away - PMB C-205, an act to amend the Health of Animals Act

    I understand the stress that unlawful trespassers may pose on farmers and animals. This bill, however, proposes a new federal mandate that infringes on provincial/territorial jurisdiction and would duplicate measures to address on-farm biosecurity measures that are already established through effective legislation .

  • Private members Bill C-206

    Will you support Bill C-206, and provide an exemption from propane and natural gas on farm use from the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act?

    Value statement - Private members Bill C-206

    Our pollution pricing policy is designed to grow a clean economy while limiting impacts on the agriculture sector.

    • Carbon pollution pricing important tool in transitioning to a cleaner economy
    • Most agricultural emissions are already exempt from carbon pollution pricing
    • Budget 2021 announced intention to return a portion of the proceeds from the price on pollution directly to farmers in backstop jurisdictions – approximately $100 million in 2021–2022
    • $165.7 million Agricultural Clean Technology Fund

    Take away - Private members Bill C-206

    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.

  • PMB 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 - PMB C-208, an act to amend the Income Tax Act

    Our Government 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
    • FCC 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 - PMB 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.

  • PMB C-216, an act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management)

    We introduced Bill C-216 to permanently protect supply management. When you say that this is what the producers are asking us for, if this bill is adopted massively by all the agricultural organizations and processors. (Perron BQ)

    Value statement - PMB C-216, an act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management)

    The Government has been very clear: we will provide no more market access to our supply managed sectors in any future trade agreement. Regardless of the PMB, the Government has committed to not concede any additional market access for these sectors.

    • Support supply management
    • We defended it
    • No more concessions
    • Canada–UK TCA example
    • Study PMB carefully

    Take away - PMB C-216, an act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management)

    The Government has been clear that there will be no more concessions on supply management in future trade negotiations.

  • PMB C-218, an act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting)

    What is the purpose of this Bill? Why does the Government support this change?

    Value statement - PMB C-218, an act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting)

    Efforts are underway to legalize single event sports betting in Canada and maintain federal oversight over betting on horse racing.

    • Currently, the only form of single event sports betting that is legal in Canada is betting on pari-mutuel horse racing.
    • The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency is the federal organization that regulates pari-mutuel betting on horse racing. It also delivers the national equine anti-doping program.

    Take away - PMB C-218, an act to amend the Criminal Code (sports betting)

    Our Government is committed to work with the provinces and industry to ensure that betting on horse racing continues to be regulated in a fair and responsible manner.

  • Tariff-rate quota allocation process

    What is the tariff-rate quota (TRQ) allocation process?

    Value statement - Tariff-rate quota allocation process

    The Minister of International Trade (MINT) has the authority to allocate TRQ import rights, and GAC manages them. GAC has been leading the Comprehensive Review of the Allocation and Administration of TRQs.

    • TRQs allow limited quantities of product to be imported at a low duty rate, or duty free
    • MINT has broad discretion and authority on TRQ allocation
    • Policies must be compliant with Canada's trade obligations and domestic legislation
    • TRQ allocation and administration policies are available online in Notices to Importers
    • TRQ Review is ongoing and AAFC is closely involved
    • Feedback received from the consultations will inform the development of long-term TRQ policies

    Take away - Tariff-rate quota allocation process

    Long-term allocation and administration policies for these TRQs are expected to be published this fall and will be applied on January 1, 2022.

  • Mad cow disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) World Organisation for Animal Health submission 2020

    What is the status of Canada's submission to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for negligible risk status for Mad Cow Disease— Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, (BSE)?

    Value statement - Mad cow disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) World Organisation for Animal Health submission 2020

    In March, the OIE concluded that Canada, based on the control measures currently in place) fulfills the requirements to be considered for negligible risk for BSE.

    • Gaining negligible BSE risk status can possibly open the door for the pursuit of additional international markets for Canadian cattle and beef products

    Take away - Mad cow disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) World Organisation for Animal Health submission 2020

    The OIE's Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases has concluded that Canada fulfils the requirements to be recognised as having a negligible risk for BSE and we hope for a positive OIE decision at the end of May.

  • Consistency in the application of CFIA meat inspection activities

    What measures has the CFIA instituted to ensure the consistent application of regulations in meat processing and slaughter facilities?

    Value statement - Consistency in the application of CFIA meat inspection activities

    The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspectors have the training, supervision, and support needed to apply rules and requirements in a fair and respectful. The CFIA has an impartial body, the Complaints and Appeals Office.

    • Each inspector is extensively trained
    • Supervisors are an active part of quality assurance
    • National Centres of Expertise provide national interpretations and guidance documents
    • CFIA meets with associations to help businesses better understand requirements
    • Complaints and Appeal process available to businesses

    Take away - Consistency in the application of CFIA meat inspection activities

    In its role as federal regulator, the CFIA works to ensure the application of regulatory controls and enforcement procedures are consistent across Canada; decisions support the effective delivery of its mandate, and are consistent with international obligations and the expectations of standard-setting bodies.

  • Grain transportation, infrastructure and investments

    How is the federal government supporting the development of grain transportation infrastructure and performance measurement?

    Value statement - Grain transportation, infrastructure and investments

    The government is making investments in critical infrastructure and working towards modernized performance measurement for transportation systems.

    • Record port grain shipments for 2020-21 crop year to date, 26% higher than the previous year
    • $2.3 billion through the National Trade Corridors Fund
    • Budget 2021 recapitalized the fund, adding $1.9 billion
    • Amending Transportation Information Regulations
    • Extended Grain Monitoring Program
    • Collaborate with industry through forums like the Commodity Supply Chain Table and AAFC's Crop Logistics Working Group

    Take away - Grain transportation, infrastructure and investments

    The government is dedicated to supporting an efficient and effective transportation system for the movement of agriculture and agri-food products.

  • The global threat of African Swine Fever

    What is the Government doing to address the threat that the global spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) poses to the swine industry?

    Value statement - The global threat of African Swine Fever

    Our Government is supporting the government-industry Pan-Canadian ASF Action Plan, which will enable a timely and coordinated response to reduce the risk of an ASF outbreak in Canada and, should an outbreak occur, support industry with a pan-Canadian coordinated, cooperative and prompt response to market challenges and disease eradication.

    • Strong import controls in place to prevent the introduction of ASF from affected countries and zones.
    • Enhancing biosecurity measures to mitigate the spread of ASF should an outbreak occur.
    • Increasing readiness by validating preparedness plans and testing response capabilities with industry and provincial and territorial stakeholders.
    • Optimizing rapid detection in Canada by developing capacity for surveillance.
    • Proactively negotiating the recognition of zoning approaches with trading partners.
    • Proactively planning for market disruption to help manage surplus hogs.
    • Developing coordinated risk communications plans to address prevention, preparedness, response and recovery actions related to ASF

    Take away - The global threat of African Swine Fever

    The Government continues to prioritize ASF prevention and preparedness and has engaged in an unprecedented level of activity to address the risk of ASF. This includes working collaboratively with federal, provincial, territorial and industry representatives to develop and implement the Pan-Canadian ASF Action Plan despite the COVID-19 situation.

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