AGRI Committee Meeting
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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
Meeting No. 84
Thursday, May 13, 1999
The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food met at 9:09 a.m., this day, in Room 269, West Block, Murray Calder, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Hélène Alarie, Rick Borotsik, Murray Calder, Denis Coderre, Howard Hilstrom, Larry McCormick, Joe McGuire, Ian Murray, Dick Proctor, Paul Steckle, Rose-Marie Ur.
In attendance: From the Library of Parliament: Jean-Denis Fréchette, Economist.
Witnesses: From the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Brian Morrissey, Assistant Deputy Minister, Research Branch; Peter E. Fehr, Director, Ottawa Affairs, Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration; Tom Richardson, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy Branch.
The Committee resumed consideration of its Order of Reference from the House dated March 1, 1999, relating to the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2000 (See Minutes of Proceedings, of Thursday, May 6, 1999, Meeting No. 82).
The Committee proceeded to consider motions on notice.
Hélène Alarie moved, -- Whereas the deans of the Confederation of Canadian Faculties of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, who appeared before the Committee on May 6, 1999, described the overall situation of these faculties;
Whereas a number of problems described could be solved if they were heard by peers;
Whereas food biotechnology is promising but very specific in comparison with other scientific sectors;
Whereas the deans are unanimous in calling for a granting council on food biotechnology;
I move, -- That, we support their request by considering the possibility of setting up a granting council to promote independent research in the field of agri-food.
After debate, the question was put on the motion, and it was agreed to, on a show of hands.
Hélène Alarie moved, -- Whereas processors also have a stake in the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations;
Whereas processors have concerns about the future of their sector if the pest control rules do not take into account their requirements and needs;
Whereas one of Quebec processors in Quebec is a leader in the packing sector;
I move, -- That, we hear Les Aliments Carrière in order to discuss this sector's concerns on the eve of the WTO negotiations.
After debate, it was agreed, -- That, the motion be withdrawn.
Rick Borotsik moved, -- Whereas the value added industry is a integral part our agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada; and
Whereas the Canadian Wheat Board under its current mandate is responsible for the sale and marketing of certain cereal crops used in the value added industry in Canada.
Whereas the Minister Responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board still retains the final legislative authority over the workings of the Canadian Wheat Board.
Whereas the study of this subject matter falls within the mandate of this Committee as identified in Standing Order 108(2);
I move, -- That, this Committee invite the Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board to appear before the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food before the House of Commons breaks for the summer recess to discuss the issues surrounding the future of Canada’s value added processing industry.
After debate, the question was put on the motion, and it was agreed to, on a show of hands.
Brian Morrissey made an opening statement and, with Peter Fehr and Tom Richardson answered questions.
At 10:38 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Georges Etoka
Clerk of the Committee