Minister MacDonald highlighted how the government is supporting food security
On Oct. 26, Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald fielded a question from a fellow Liberal MP about how the federal government is supporting food security across Canada.
Chi Nguyen, the Ontario MP for Spadina—Harbourfront, asked the minister to share how the government is going to invest $20 million from a community support stream.
Minister MacDonald told the House the funding will support two organizations.
“Food Banks Canada and Second Harvest will both receive up to $10 million. These two recipients will distribute that food to eligible food banks and not-for-profit, community-based organizations across the country,” he said.
On Oct. 27, a Conservative MP wanted answers about how much money a project affecting farmers will cost taxpayers.
Jacques Gourde, the MP for Lévis—Lotbinière in Quebec, wanted to know if the Alto project’s projected $150 billion cost is included a Parliamentary Budget Officer report showing deficits reaching $330 billion.
This project is estimated to require almost 15,000 acres of farmland.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon’s response highlighted the project will add jobs and support the national GDP.
On Oct. 28, Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre asked the government why it is charging 16 cents per litre at the gas pump to buy U.S. biofuels.
“Why is he putting that money in the pockets of the Americans?” he asked.
Energy Minister Tim Hodgson provided the rebuttal in which he highlighted canola prices.
“Canola prices are up 8% because of clean fuel regs, but they are up 30% this year. Thirty per cent, and the leader of the Opposition is trying to talk us down,” he said. “We have been helping the farmers. We have been helping the people in Alberta.”
Then, on Oct. 29, Gourde revisited the Alto rail project, specifically highlighting its potential impact on farmers.
“Farmers along the high-speed rail route want to be heard by the Liberal government, and they deserve to be heard,” he said, before asking if the government would cut taxes on diesel.
Minister MacKinnon told the House the government is listening to the agricultural community.