Conservatives pressured the government about the decision to close research sites
Conservatives want to know why the government is acting in ways that harm Canada’s agriculture industry.
During question period on Feb. 23, Conservative Agriculture Critic John Barlow highlighted Liberal policies, closing ag research sites, and red tape as reasons why farmers struggle and Canadians face high grocery prices.
“How expensive to groceries have to get before the Liberals stop strangling Canadian farmers?” he said.
Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald’s response reaffirmed the government’s support for Canadian ag, while also acknowledging “it is not the farmers who are making the money.”
Lianne Rood, the Conservative MP for Middlesex—London, asked a similar question to Barlow’s.
Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu answered by highlighting the success of Canadian ag worldwide.
“Our agri-food exports have reached over $100 billion. The sector supports over 2.3 million Canadians, or one in nine jobs,” he told the House of Commons.
Grant Jackson, the Conservative MP for Brandon—Souris, also wanted answers about how the Liberals treat farmers.
Between red tape and irresponsible spending, Liberals are creating production challenges for farmers, and by association, Canadian grocery shoppers.
“How expensive does food have to get before the Liberals stop strangling farmers and get serious about bringing back affordable food?” he asked.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s answer highlighted the groceries and essentials benefit, and how it will help Canadians with high prices.
When Dan Muys, the Conservative MP for Flamborough—Glanbrook—Brant North, asked a similar question to that of his colleagues, Kody Blois, the parliamentary secretary to the prime minister, echoed Champagne’s response.
On Feb. 24 the Conservatives continued to pressure the government on its decision to close research stations across the country.
Jacques Gourde, the MP for Lévis—Lotbinière, cited the prime minister’s speech at the World Economic Forum where he stated a country that can’t feed itself has few options.
“Why is the government not walking the talk?” Gourde said.
Minister MacDonald’s response indicated the government’s approach will benefit the ag industry overall.
“Streamlining research in collaboration with academia and the private sector will prioritize our high-impact areas and duplication, and align ourselves for the future,” he said. “We are going to continue to be the biggest science entity in the country, and we will use that to our advantage in our trade negotiations.”
On Feb. 26 the Bloc had questions about a proposed rail line and how that will impact area farmers.
Jean-Denis Garon, the Bloc MP for Mirabel, is concerned about the Alto rail line.
“They are preventing a farmer who has suffered a disaster from rebuilding. There is not a single other citizen in Canada who is subject to this. Why are people from the north shore being treated like second-class citizens by the federal government?” he asked.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon responded, saying the government will do its due diligence.
“We will show respect for elected officials, respect for farmers, respect for the people who live along the route,” he said.
Barlow and multiple Conservative MPs wanted Minister MacDonald to clarify his stance on strychnine.
The PMRA declined Alberta and Saskatchewan’s request to use strychnine to control Richardson’s ground squirrel, and Conservatives want to know what the minister is going to do about it.
“I am disappointed in the PMRA's decision, but ultimately it is an independent agency,” the minister said. “We will keep working with the provinces and farmers to find an effective alternative. It is crucial that our farmers and producers have the tools they need to feed Canadians, and we will do what we can to help them.”