The Bloc wanted to know why the government was shutting down bill debates
In the final week of question period before Parliament rose for the summer, the Bloc asked the government why it ended bill debates.
On June 16, Yves Perron, the Bloc’s ag critic, accused the government of avoiding the accountability of the opposition.
“Yesterday (the prime minister) shut down the debate on Bill C-30, which allows him to approve pesticides that were previously banned by Health Canada,” Perron said. “Does he realize that his majority does not give him the right to subvert democracy?”
Parts of Bill C-30 allow the government to override Health Canada decisions for reasons tied to economic and food security.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon’s response indicated the Bloc is trying to change the subject after the party went back “on its election promise to support Alto…,” he said.
John Barlow, the Conservative ag critic, citing a warning from Grain Farmers of Ontario that said if farmers can’t afford to farm, then food will be unaffordable, wanted to know how much money the Liberal government has collected from its 35 per cent tariff on fertilizer.
Agriculture Minister Heath Macdonald’s response informed the House he met with G7 partners, discussed fertilizer, and is considering “every opportunity to make sure that we stand behind our farmers.”
Minister MacDonald also fielded a question from a Liberal colleague.
Kent MacDonald, the MP for Cardigan in P.E.I., asked the minister to highlight the national food strategy.
The minister told MPs this $3 billion investment will address food affordability, transportation, and distribution.
“More choice means more control and more Canada,” he said.
David Bexte, the Conservative MP for Bow River in Alberta, wanted to Liberals to explain why veterinarians and animal health technicians aren’t covered under student loan forgiveness programs despite their vital role in Canadian ag.
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu responded by highlighting a new vet school is opening at Lakehead University, and the government will continue to work to make education affordable.
On June 17, the Bloc again took aim at the Liberals for their decisions to shut down bill debates, including one on Bill C-30.
When Christine Normandin, the MP for Saint-Jean, asked about this, Public Works Minister Joël Lightbound responded by highlighting projects the government is moving forward with that will support Quebec.
Greg Fergus, the Liberal MP for Hull-Aylmer, asked Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne to remind the House how the national food strategy will support Canada.
“These are flagship measures that will please everyone, even the Conservatives: $1 billion for food infrastructure, terminals and hubs, as well as $750 million to ensure that Canadians have access to more Canadian‑grown fruits and vegetables all year long,” the minister said.
MPs didn’t ask questions related to agriculture or food on June 18.
The fall session of Parliament begins on Monday, Sept. 21.