MPs are back in Ottawa after their winter break
The return of Parliament also means the return of Farms.com’s Ag in the House series.
For those new to the series, the weekly articles, released on Mondays, summarize the previous week’s exchanges related to agriculture during question period.
On Jan. 26, Jasraj Singh Hallan, the Conservative MP for Calgary East, asked the government if it will eliminate the industrial carbon tax and fuel standards to help deal with food inflation.
Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald replied on behalf of the government telling the House the Liberals are acting through the grocery and essentials benefit.
“It is going to help our farmers and ranchers, and it is going to help our economy,” the minister said.
Dominique Vien, the Conservative MP from Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, also called on the government to cut taxes to help farmers.
“When will the government finally stop taxing our farmers and truckers?” she said. “Will the government commit to today to axing the industrial carbon tax and the taxes on fuel standards?”
Health Minister Marjorie Michel responded by highlighting how the grocery benefit will help Canadians.
On Jan. 27, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet asked Prime Minister Carney why China still has tariffs on Quebec pork.
The prime minister highlighted some of the provisions of Canada’s negotiations with China.
“Mr. Speaker, first, the Chinese government has committed to reducing the tariffs on pork, beef and other Canadian foods,” Carney said. “Second, the agreement with China reduces tariffs on canola, which is an over $7-billion market for our farmers and agricultural producers.”
Richard Bragdon, the New Brunswick Conservative MP for Tobique—Mactaquac, asked if the government will act to remove taxes, boost grocery competition and cut ted rape for farmers.
Wayne Long, the secretary of state for the Canada Revenue Agency, touted the government’s grocery and essentials benefit.
Shelby Kramp-Neuman, the Conservative MP for Hastings—Lennox and Addington—Tyendinaga, told the House her party will support “legislation that cuts red tape on farmers so they and Canada can grow. The question is, will the government table it?”
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu responded but didn’t address the question.
Kramp-Neuman asked again about cutting taxes and red tape.
Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin responded.
“If we are going to talk about real things, let us talk about how we are going to help farmers,” Dabrusin said. “Let us talk about how the canola farmers support the clean fuel regulations. Are they standing against the canola farmers?
“We are there to support our farmers. We are there to support Canadians. I hope that the Conservatives will be there to support our groceries and essentials benefit because that will be helping 12 million Canadians in all of our communities.”
On Jan. 28, Bloc Leader Blanchet wanted clarification on the pork issue with China.
He cited journalist Antoine Trépanier who reported there is no deal with China on pork tariffs.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand’s response indicated Canada continues to work with China on agricultural issues.
Emma Harrison, the Liberal MP from Peterborough and a farmer herself, asked Minister MacDonald to highlight which components of the grocery benefit announcement also support the ag sector.
“On Monday, our new government announced immediate expensing for greenhouse buildings. This will allow producers to fully write off greenhouses that become available for use before 2030,” the minister said. “We are developing a national food security strategy, investing $20 million into a local food infrastructure fund and much more. Simply put, we are improving affordability for more than 12 million Canadians, and building a more domestic, resilient food system here at home. I hope the Conservatives can agree.”
On Jan. 29, multiple Conservative MPs targeted the Liberals for their tax plans.
Michael Kram, the MP for Regina-Wascana, for example, said the fuel standard makes fuel more expensive.
Minister Dabrusin’s rebuttal included Advanced Biofuels Canada’s stance on the fuel regulations “as pro-agriculture as a policy can get,” saying it will add $1.09 of value per bushel for canola producers.