Bill C-234 needs to be passed in its original form, John Barlow says
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
At a time when Canadians are struggling with the price of food, passing Bill C-234 would help bring those costs down, the Conservative ag critic said.
During question period on April 29, John Barlow asked the Liberals if they’d pass Bill C-234 in its original form to support families with food affordability.
Steven MacKinnon, the government House leader, responded by saying the bill is in the hands of the Conservative House leader.
Barlow again asked if the government would proceed with Bill C-234’s passage.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland responded highlighting some budget measures and saying Conservatives only know cuts.
Lianne Rood, the Conservative MP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, also asked the Liberals about Bill C-234 and passing it to support farm families and reduce food bank usage.
Freeland replied with budget highlights.
No questions related to ag occurred on April 30 as the Conservative caucus left the House of Commons in solidarity with Leader Pierre Poilievre.
This happened after Speaker Greg Fergus kicked Poilievre out of the House for using unparliamentary language.
MPs didn’t ask any ag-related questions on May 1 or May 2.
On May 3, though, MPs brought up Bill C-234 again.
Clifford Small, the Conservative MP for Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame, asked if the Liberals would scrap the carbon tax to help bring down the cost of food.
Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan responded by highlighting how much families receive through the Canada carbon rebate.
Cathay Wagantall, the Conservative MP for Yorkton-Melville, citing the CEO of Food Banks Canada’s concerns that food banks are becoming unsustainable, says that Bill C-234 needs to receive royal assent in its original form.
Jennifer O’Connell, the parliamentary secretary to the minister of public safety, provided an answer but didn’t address the question.
Mike Morrice, the Green MP for Kitchener Centre, asked the Liberals about a different issue.
He asked the government if it would strengthen the Impact Assessment Act to reject Highway 413 in Ontario and save more than 2,400 acres of farmland.
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said the government would make sure federal laws apply to Highway 413.