Table of Contents
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Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada COVID-19 measures
What are you doing to support the food producers and processors in the agricultural and agri-food sector who are facing unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Value statement - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada COVID-19 measures
Targeted support to cover extraordinary costs and address food security concerns.
- $125 million National AgriRecovery Initiative, set-asides for cattle and hog
- $84.4 million for temporary foreign workers and $35 million to improve on-farm health and safety
- $5 billion for FCC and $100 million Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund
- $9.2 million to fund youth jobs
- $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund for food processors
- Expanded CDC borrowing capacity by $200 million
- $20 million for CFIA food inspection services
- $50 million Surplus Food Purchase program
- $200 million to local food organizations
Take away - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada COVID-19 measures
Government recognizes the importance of essential services provided by the agriculture and agri-food sector.
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AAFC’S 2020–21 Supplementary Estimates (C)
AAFC's 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (C) total a net amount of $472 million. What is this funding for?
Value statement - AAFC’S 2020–21 Supplementary Estimates (C)
AAFC's 2020-21 Supplementary Estimates (C) of $472 million provide funds to support the agriculture and agri-food sector in some key areas. Most of these new funds will go to:
- Dairy Direct Payment Program ($468 million)
- the Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program ($34.2 million)
- Transfer to Indigenous Services Canada to improve food access and supply for Indigenous Peoples ($30 million)
- Brings total AAFC spending for 2020-21 to approximately $3.5 billion.
Take away - AAFC’S 2020–21 Supplementary Estimates (C)
These are important investments for the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canada's food supply. Compared to 2019-20, AAFC's budget this year is $500 million higher, mostly due to funding for COVID-19.
- AAFC employees = 4,741; National capital Region= 2,165
- CFIA employees = 6,056
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Business risk management programs negotiations
We’ve heard from many stakeholders that the current suite of business risk management programs is not working. Would you commit to working with the provinces to find a way to make some of these changes happen if they aren’t able to put in their 40% share?
Value statement - Business risk management programs negotiations
The federal government tabled a proposal currently being considered by the provinces and territories to make immediate enhancements to AgriStability.
- Proposed to remove the Reference Margin Limit and increase the AgriStability compensation rate from 70%, up to 80%
- Business Risk Management programs are cost-shared and require consensus
- AgriStability enhancements would result in a 50% increase in payments to producers, to around $170 million per year
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.
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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.
- Added testing requirements: pre‑boarding, on arrival, and toward end of quarantine period.
- Deferred mandatory three day quarantine at government approved hotel for TFWs until March 15, 2021.
- Actively engaged with provinces.
- $35 million to improve health and safety on farms.
- $84.4 million for isolation costs, until March 31, 2021.
- $77.5 million for health and safety of agri‑food workers (and families).
- To date most workers continue to arrive in 2021.
- ESDC analyzing feedback received from minimum federal accommodation requirements for the TFW Program and Housing Survey consultations.
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.
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Capacity of meat plants
Does the federal government regard the capacity of meat plants as sufficient to support producers and meet domestic demand? Will the federal government support the expansion of processing operations?
Value statement - Capacity of meat plants
Despite significant challenges posed by COVID‑19, meat processors in Canada have worked tirelessly to maintain operations, supplying food to Canadians and the world during the pandemic.
- Processors resilient during COVID‑19
- Meat processors committed to serving the domestic market
- Stringent worker health and safety measures
- Large processors work at a scale that helps make products and food systems affordable
- Support through: Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Local Food Infrastructure Fund, Emergency Processing Fund
Take away - Capacity of meat plants
Processing capacity meets Canada's production volumes. Although processors face challenges, they continue to provide sufficient food during COVID‑19.
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Food insecurity and food sovereignty
How much are you willing to adapt the food policy to address the growing concern for food insecurity?
Value statement - Food insecurity and food sovereignty
We continue to advance implementation of the Food Policy for Canada in collaboration with government, Indigenous, non-governmental, industry and other partners.
- Addressing food insecurity key priority
- Supporting national and community level groups through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, and the $200 million Emergency Food Security Fund
- Redirecting food surpluses to organizations addressing food insecurity and avoiding food waste through the $50 million Surplus Food Rescue Program
- Agricultural Youth Council and the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council
Take away - Food insecurity and food sovereignty
We remain committed to improving Canada's food system and ensuring vulnerable Canadians have access to food, reducing food waste and making Canadian food the top choice at home and abroad.
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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.
- Unclear whether a Code of Conduct is the right solution for Canada
- Provinces have a lead role and we will collaboratively seek solutions
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec are co-chairing a working group on retail fees with provinces
- Working group will evaluate options at federal and provincial levels
- Applaud work of industry to seek solutions and encourage dialogue
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.
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Emergency Processing Fund
How are we helping food processors stay competitive during COVID-19?
Value statement - Emergency Processing Fund
The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant challenges to the food supply chain, in particular food processors.
- $77.5 million to safeguard the health and safety of workers and their families, with an additional $10 million to be allocated for a total of $87.5 million
- Funding to companies to support public health measures
- Improve food production to ensure a strong food supply
- Over 550 companies funded
Take away - Emergency Processing Fund
The Emergency Processing Fund is focused on supporting projects to help companies respond to the urgent health and safety needs of workers in agri-food sectors impacted by COVID-19.
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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
Canadian farmers and ranchers are responsible stewards of the land and the Government recognizes they are an important part of the climate change solution.
- $185 million over ten years for New Natural Climate Solutions for Agriculture Fund
- $165.7 million over seven years for new Agricultural Clean Technology Funding
- New national target to reduce fertilizer emissions
- Developing a new Canadian Agri-environmental strategy
- Existing Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding ($436 million - $234.4 million Federal; $201.4 million PT funding, over 5 years)
- Existing AAFC Science and Research ($45 million on active projects for environment)
Take away - Agriculture and the environment
The Government is investing in programs, science and innovation to support the sector in developing solutions that will increase environmental sustainability, while fostering economic opportunities.
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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 were published on December 19, 2020.
- There are concerns raised by industry stakeholders on the land use eligibility criteria in the most recent consultation period which closed March 4, 2021.
- 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.
- Environment and Climate Change Canada 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 Environment and Climate Change Canada to ensure land use criteria make sense for agricultural stakeholders.
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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 through all available channels to ensure our relationship with the United States remains positive and collaborative, while addressing issues as they arise.
- Each other's top export market for all goods.
- 2020 agriculture and seafood exports to U.S.: $38.4 billion (up 3% from 2019 despite pandemic).
- Integrated supply chain, globally competitive, food security.
- Shared priorities: COVID recovery, environment, rules-based trade.
- Call with Vilsack, engagement at senior and working levels, Congress, key stakeholders.
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.
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The advantages of the Canada–United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement implementation for the agriculture sector
How does the Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement impact the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector?
Value statement - The advantages of the Canada–United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement implementation for the agriculture sector
Following BREXIT, the Canada–United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA) preserves preferential access established under the Canada–EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) for Canadian agriculture and agri-food products into the UK market, while providing predictability for Canadian business.
- Preserves tariff free access for 98% of agriculture and agri-food products.
- Maintains duty-free quota access for Canadian beef, pork, bison, wheat and processed sweetcorn.
- Protects the supply management sectors with no additional access.
Take away - The advantages of the Canada–United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement implementation for the agriculture sector
The Government sees the TCA as an essential means to ensure continuity and stability for Canadian businesses, exporters and workers.
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Canola market access
What is the Government of Canada doing to restore full market access for canola to China?
Value statement - Canola market access
Our government continues to work through all available bilateral and multilateral channels to reinstate the two suspended Canadian companies and restore full market access for canola seed exports to China.
- Committed to restoring full market access for canola seed exports to China.
- 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.
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Compensation for dairy industry
How much compensation are you going to pay for the fiscal year ending March 31? When will you announce details for CUSMA compensation?
Value statement - Compensation for dairy industry
The Government has delivered on its commitment to provide full and fair compensation to dairy farmers for the impacts of Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and will do the same for the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement.
- $1.4 billion over next 3 years
- $468 million by March 31, 2021
- Over 89% of dairy farmers already received payment
- $469 million in 2021-22
- $468 million in 2022-23
- $2 billion total in compensation
Take away - Compensation for dairy industry
The Government remains committed to providing full and fair compensation to dairy farmers for the impacts of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement.
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Compensation for SM4
When will the poultry and egg programs that the Government announced in November 2020 be launched? When will the Government provide details on CUSMA compensation?
Value statement - Compensation for SM4
The Government has taken important steps to deliver on its commitment to provide full and fair compensation to poultry and egg producers for the impacts of the CPTPP.
- $691 million for 10-year programs
- On-Farm Investment Program
- Market development activities
- Consulting with industry on program design
- Programming to launch as soon as possible
Take away - Compensation for SM4
The Government remains committed to providing full and fair compensation to poultry and egg producers for the impacts of the CUSMA.
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Compensation for processors
What does the federal government actually mean when it commits to providing “full and fair” support for Canada’s dairy, poultry and egg processors?
Value statement - Compensation for processors
Since the ratification of recent trade agreements, the Government has been attentive to the needs of processors of supply managed products.
- $100 million through the Dairy Processing Investment Fund
- Objective is to improve processor productivity and competitiveness
- Program approved 105 projects
- To date, no impact for poultry and egg processors under CPTPP
Any compensation will take into account processors' recommendations from the working groups.
Take away - Compensation for processors
The Government remains committed to providing full and fair compensation to processors of supply managed commodities for the impacts of recent trade agreements.
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Interprovincial food trade
There are different standards and qualifications to bring meat across provincial borders and it’s one of the reasons why we are having a bit of a capacity issue. Do you have a list of non-tariff trade barriers?
Value statement - Interprovincial food trade
In order to sell meat inter-provincially, a federal licence is required under the Safe Food for Canadians Act.
- Interprovincial trade falls under federal jurisdiction
- The Safe Food for Canadian Regulations make it easier to meet requirements to trade interprovincially
- Provincial requirements do not always align with federal regulations
- Canada's food safety system is based on international standards
- Key to Canada's competitive export advantage
Take away - Interprovincial food trade
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is working with provinces and territories on finding ways to improve interprovincial trade.
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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.
- Local Food Infrastructure Fund Phase 1: 362 projects with a total of $6.6 million, to date $3.3 million disbursed
- Local Food Infrastructure Fund Phase 2: 472 applications to date, funding requests totaling over $50 million
- Additional $100 million emergency COVID-19 funding for community food organizations ($200 million total)
Many projects intended to be finalized before March will slip into the 2021-2022 fiscal year as experienced in Phase 1.
Take away - Local Food Infrastructure Fund
Local food organizations are helping Canadians put food on their tables, and now, more than ever they need our support.
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Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
What are you doing to make sure that the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act becomes a reality here in Canada?
Value statement - Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
We support Canada's fruit and vegetable industry. 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.
- Insolvency losses: <0.1% of total sales
- Safe Food for Canadians Act
- Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation ensures adherence
- Continued Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act access in the United States
- Broader policy implications on the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
- Ongoing dialogue with Canadian Horticulture Council/Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Take away - Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
We invite the industry to provide evidence of significant or widespread harm — which has not yet been fully demonstrated — and to identify other potential options that might help to address financial protection for produce sellers.
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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 agri-food sector was based on Canada's all-hazards response plan. The Government adapted their response by targeting support to the most critical challenges facing the food supply chain.
- FCC- $5B — additional lending, $100 million — Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund
- $125 million — National AgriRecovery Initiative
- Expanded CDC borrowing by $200M
- $20 million — CFIA — food inspection Support for food security
- $77.5 million — Emergency Processing Fund
- $84.4 million — Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- $35 million — Emergency On-Farm Support Fund
- $50 million — Surplus Food Rescue program
- $200 million -to local food organizations under the Local Food Infrastructure Fund and the Emergency Food Security Fund Take away
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.
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Mental health
How is government addressing mental health issues in agriculture sector?
Value statement - Mental health
The COVID-19 crisis has increased uncertainties and stress levels for all Canadians, including farmers and food processing operations.
- PHAC solutions to manage mental health
- $240 million for mental health tools through Wellness Canada, to support all Canadians
- FCC – Rooted in Strength initiative serves to increase awareness of what is mental wellness and the ag- specific supports available
- Provincial and industry resources
Take away - Mental health
All Canadian farmers, ranchers and producers must have access to the mental health support they need during this difficult time.
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Hemp
Would you be willing to work with Health Canada to get hemp under agriculture?
Value statement - Hemp
The hemp sector is eligible for all Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) program funding like other crop sectors. AAFC also supports the sector through research, policy development and free trade negotiations. AAFC and Health Canada work closely together to ensure policy considers competitive factors, along with important health and safety issues.
- Health Canada regulates hemp under the Cannabis Act
- AAFC supports through program funding, research and analysis.
- AAFC- Health Canada collaboration
- Working with industry
- Ensure policy considers competiveness and safety
Take away - Hemp
Health Canada regulates industrial hemp to protect the health and safety of Canadians; while AAFC works within the existing regulatory framework to support the sector's development and competitiveness.
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Neonicotinoids in Canada
Neonicotinoids are a critical chemical that we use in the agricultural sector. Do you support the continued use of that chemical?
Value statement - Neonicotinoids in Canada
Through open engagement and consultation, the Government continues to work with the agriculture sector to address the challenges that may arise from decisions restricting the use of neonicotinoids. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and its Pest Management Centre continue to research viable alternatives.
- Importance of pest control
- Support Canadian growers' access to safe, effective products
- Support scientific decisions
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada-Pest Management Regulatory Agency cooperation
- Continue researching alternatives
Take away - Neonicotinoids in Canada
The government supports the rigorous, science-based regulation of pesticides in Canada to ensure they continue to meet modern health and safety standards.
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Sugar shacks situation
Does the federal government intend to help sugar shacks which have been affected by COVID-19?
Value statement - Sugar shacks situation
Although there is no specific programming developed to support maple syrup producers to address challenges resulting from COVID-19, AAFC's Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) and Business Risk Management (BRM) programs suite provide producers with the necessary tools to manage their operations.
- CAP- FPT cost-shared regional support
- CAP initiatives help businesses expand their marketing channels, respond to new market challenges and increase online sales in the sector
- Maple syrup producers eligible for many of the CAP and BRM programs
- AgriInvest, AgriStability, AgriInsurance and the Advance Payments Program help manage income and production losses that threaten business viability
Take away - Sugar shacks situation
The federal government currently has several income and marketing programs in place to support maple syrup producers in their operations.
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Research and development
Can you share with us some of those investments in research and innovation?
Value statement - Research and development
The Government of Canada is investing
- $690 million through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership:
- AgriScience clusters ($182.1 million for 19 clusters);
- AgriScience Projects ($58.8 million for 56 projects)
- $30 million to advance research in agricultural genomics
- $70 million Advancing Agricultural Innovation and Discovery Science:
- Hiring up to 75 new scientists (47 hired to date)
- Living Laboratories Initiative
- Work with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada in the $153-million Protein Industries Canada Supercluster
- AAFC has a national network of 20 Research and Development Centres
Take away - Research and development
Our investments directly support key priorities of the agricultural and agri-food sector to the benefit of the Canadian economy and every-day lives of Canadians.
- $690 million through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership:
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Standards for imported food
Producers, particularly producers of supply managed products, are concerned with the quality of the products that enter Canada. What are you doing to make sure imported products meet the same standards as domestic products?
Value statement - Standards for imported food
The Government of Canada is committed to food safety and to protecting Canadians from food-related illnesses.
- Imported food must comply with federal food requirements
- Safe Food for Canadians Act and the Food and Drugs Act both apply
- Importer licences and preventive food safety controls required
- Oversight: pre-border (audits), at border (verifications) and post- border (inspection/testing)
Take away - Standards for imported food
Imported food must meet the same food safety and consumer protection requirements as domestic food, including those under supply management. Any concerns should be directed to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
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African Swine Fever
What is the government doing to prevent African Swine Fever from coming to Canada, and if it does come to Canada, what is the plan for addressing it?
Value statement - African Swine Fever
Canada's pork industry contributes over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and generates approximately $24 billion to the Canadian economy.
Canada has strong programs in place to prevent and control the spread of foreign animal diseases, including African Swine Fever, into and within the country.
- Prevent and prepare
- Controls on imports
- Food detector dogs
- Laboratory capacity
- Effective communication strategies
- Strong stakeholder collaboration
Take away - African Swine Fever
The Pan-Canadian African Swine Fever Action Plan provides guidance and strategic direction for African Swine Fever prevention, preparedness and response.
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Animal welfare and transportation
What is the government doing in the face of concerns from industry around the new humane transportation regulations?
Value statement - Animal welfare and transportation
We are committed to the humane treatment of animals in Canada and we take the issue of animal welfare very seriously.
- Updated animal transportation regulations (February 2020) seek to improve the health and well-being of animals during the entire transportation process
- Result of 10 years of consultations with farm groups, industry, other stakeholders and the Canadian public
- A two-year transition period, until February 2022, for certain provisions continues to enable industry to work through logistical issues
- Continued industry outreach with all sectors to ensure understanding and compliance with the updated regulations.
- Committed to working with industry and researchers to assess new scientific data on humane transportation
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.
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Spent fowl (border controls)
What is the Government doing to address border controls for supply-managed goods?
Value statement - Spent fowl (border controls)
Our government is taking steps to address concerns of import predictability and effective border controls for supply-managed commodities, while ensuring that Canadian processors who use dairy and poultry inputs can remain competitive in export markets.
- Working across government to ensure control measures in place remain effective.
- Spent fowl remained on the CBSA's priority list of targeted verification released in May 2020.
- Continue to actively explore possible compliance options.
- Spent fowl imports remain below the average level prior to the implementation of Government's compliance activities.
- Between 2017 and 2019, 68 verifications have been conducted, resulting in $178 million in duty and $127,000 in Administrative Monetary Penalties.
- In the second national trade compliance verification exercise launched in 2020 an additional 53 companies were targeted.
Take away - Spent fowl (border controls)
The government maintains robust compliance verifications of supply-managed goods in Canada.
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Private Member’s Bill 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 - Private Member’s Bill 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
Take away - Private Member’s Bill C-205, An Act to Amend the Health of Animals Act
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency currently provides technical advice and guidance to industry and provinces/territories on biosecurity measures (standards, new risks, other preventive approaches).
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Private Member’s Bill C-206, An Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (Qualifying Farming Fuel)
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 Member’s Bill C-206, An Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (Qualifying Farming Fuel)
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.
- Committed to new rebates for on-farm fuel use such as grain drying.
- Encourage continued adoption of sustainable technologies in agriculture sector (such as the $165.7 million Agricultural Clean Technology Fund).
- Continue working in partnership with farmers to ensure their competitiveness.
The Ministry of Finance indicates that the bill, as drafted, does not relieve grain-drying activity from federal fuel charges.
Take away - Private Member’s Bill C-206, An Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (Qualifying Farming Fuel)
Putting a price on carbon pollution is a critical part of Canada’s action plan helping to reduce pollution at the lowest cost to businesses and households.
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Private Member’s Bill 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 -Private Member’s Bill C-208, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act
The Government wants to see farm families succeed, and will continue to support family-run business owners to pass down the results of their hard work to the next generation.
Current support measures include- Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption, to shelter up to $1 million of capital gains
- FCC low-interest loan guarantee programs for new and young farmers as well as succession planning services
- Canadian Agricultural Loans Act loans to new and beginning farmers
Take away - Private Member’s Bill 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.
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Private Member’s Bill 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 producers are asking for, if this bill is adopted by all farm organizations and processors.
Value statement - Private Member’s Bill 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 - Private Member’s Bill 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.
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Private Member’s Bill C-218, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Sports Betting)
What is the purpose of Bill C-218? Why does the Government support this change?
Value statement - Private Member’s Bill C-218, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code> (Sports Betting)
Efforts are underway to legalize single event sports betting in Canada. Provinces and territories will benefit from the expected new revenue streams and illegal betting will be properly regulated.
- Other countries allow single-event sports betting
- Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency oversees federally-regulated pari-mutuel betting on horse racing
- National drug control
Take away - Private Member’s Bill C-218, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Sports Betting)
Our Government is committed to introducing single event sports betting in Canada in a safe and well-regulated way.
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Tariff-rate quota allocation process
What is the tariff-rate quota allocation process?
Value statement - Tariff-rate quota allocation process
Minister of International Trade has the authority to allocate tariff-rate quota (TRQ) import rights, and Global Affairs Canada manages them. Global Affairs has been leading the Comprehensive Review of the Allocation and Administration of TRQs for Dairy, Poultry and Egg Products since May 2019.
- TRQs allow limited quantities of product to be imported at a low duty rate, or duty free.
- Minister of International Trade 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 thedevelopment of long-term TRQ policies.
Take away - Tariff-rate quota allocation process
Long-term allocation and administration policies for each TRQ are expected to be published on September 1, 2021, and be in effect for the beginning of the quota year on January 1, 2022.
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Mad Cow Disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) submission 2020
What is the status of Canada’s submission to the World Organisation for Animal Health for negligible risk status for Mad Cow Disease?
Value statement - Mad Cow Disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) submission 2020
In July 2020, Canada submitted its application to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to be recognized as having “negligible Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) risk” status. Canada's application was the result of federal, provincial and industry collaboration and highlights the strong programs Canada has in place to prevent and control the spread of domestic and foreign animal diseases.
- We learned this week that the OIE's Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases has concluded that Canada fulfils the requirements to be considered for negligible risk for BSE
- OIE delegates have 60 days to request any information substantiating this decision
- Decision on Canada's status to be formally made by the OIE in May 2021
Take away - Mad Cow Disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) submission 2020
The OIE’s Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases has concluded that Canada fulfils the requirements to be recognized as having a negligible risk for BSE and we hope for a positive OIE decision in May.