A Bloc MP had questions related to Bill C-30 and crop protection
During question period on June 8, a Bloc MP wanted answers related to a provision about agriculture placed inside Bill C-30, the Spring Economic Update Implementation Act.
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, the MP for Rimouski—La Matapédia, wanted to know if the government will remove parts of the bill which allows the government to override Health Canada decisions related to pesticides for reasons tied to economic and food security.
“Researchers and health and environmental organizations are unanimous: this is an anti-science measure serving the interests of large agrochemical companies,” Blanchette-Joncas said. “Will the government remove this provision from Bill C-30?”
Health Minister Marjorie Michel responded.
The health of Canadians is the government’s top priority, and the government can work with the ag sector to protect food sovereignty, she said.
On June 9, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pressed the Liberals on the proposed Alto rail line that would affect farmers in the region.
This $90 billion project “will destroy farms in Quebec, all without consulting farmers,” he said. “Communities in regional Quebec will pay the price, yet they will not even get a gas station.”
The prime minister defended the project saying it will create more than 50,000 jobs and contribute billions to Canada’s GDP.
Jeremy Patzer, the Conservative MP for Swift Current-Grasslands-Kindersley, wanted the government to answer for its decisions to close ag research sites, especially the organic research station at Swift Current.
“The Liberal agriculture minister said that shutting federal research centres was worthwhile, but organic farming in Canada is an $11-billion industry and growing. Does the minister really want his legacy to be destroying organic research in Canada?” he said.
Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald provided the response.
He reassured the House that 17 research stations will remain open to support Canadian ag.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May asked the government about Bill C-30 and the section related to environmental protections and pesticides.
“Why is the government doing this to our environment and our health?” she asked.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel reaffirmed the government can protect Canadians while also providing farmers tools to support food sovereignty.
On June 10, Jean-Denis Garon, the Bloc MP for Mirabel, wanted more answers related to the Alto rail project.
As farmers protested the project outside Parliament Hill, Garon challenged the government to meet with producers.
“Will the government finally respect our farmers, meet with them and answer their questions?” he said.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon’s response indicated the government will do its due diligence related to this initiative.
“It is out of this respect for the agricultural community that we will carry out this project with the highest regard for the concerns of farmers,” he said.
Jacques Gourde, the Conervative MP for Lévis—Lotbinière, and Pierre Paul-Hus, the Conservative MP for Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, also pressed the government on the Alto issue.
Public Works Minister Joël Lightbound, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, and Secretary of State Nathalie Provost defended the project, its expected benefits, and the way the government will communicate with farmers about the proposed rail line.
On June 11, Conservatives wanted answers related to Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) leadership.
John Barlow, the party’s ag critic, told the House that FCC CEO Justine Hendricks spent more than $213,000 on travel last year and another $53,000 on hospitality.
“Can the minister tell me how much more out-of-control spending he is going to approve this year?” Barlow said.
Claude Guay, the parliamentary secretary to the minister of energy, responded.
He told the House FCC is an independent Crown corporation, and farmers appreciate its work.
James Bezan, the Conservative MP for Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, revisited the research site cuts.
He wanted to know if Minister MacDonald personally approved these cuts.
Guay’s response indicated the government is “spending less to invest more” and that AAFC will remain the largest ag researcher in the country.
On June 12, Joël Godin, the Conservative MP for Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, asked the government to own up to the fact its policies aren’t working.
“Why does the Prime Minister refuse to admit that his decisions are hurting Canadian families?” he asked.
In response, Sophie Chatel, the parliamentary secretary to the ag minister, highlighted the recently announced national food security strategy and how it will help bring down the cost of groceries.
And when Kyle Seeback, the Conservative MP for Dufferin-Caledon, challenged the government to reduce red tape to bring food costs down, Chatel again touted the national food strategy.