AGRI Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food met in camera at 9:07 a.m. this day, in Room 213, Wellington Building, the Chair, James Bezan, presiding.

At 10:50 a.m., Paul Steckle took the Chair.

At 11:40 a.m., James Bezan took the Chair.

It was agreed, — That the draft report, as amended, be adopted and that the Chair present it to the House.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the Committee request that the Government table a comprehensive response to the report.

It was agreed, — That the Chair, the Clerk and analysts be authorized to make such grammatical and editorial changes as may be necessary without changing the substance of the report.

It was agreed, — That the report be entitled: “Product of Canada“ Claims: Truth and Transparency are Necessary.

It was agreed, — That members filing dissenting opinions on the Report should have their text delivered to the clerk of the Committee by Monday, June 9, 2008 no later than 5:00 p.m..

At 11:50 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 11:51 a.m., the sitting resumed in public.

Ken Boshcoff moved, — That the Prime Minister recognize and respect the work of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food and ensure that the work of the Committee will not be sub voted and that the recommendations based on input from Canadian Stakeholders will be implemented and that the Prime Minister confirm his willingness to accept the work of the Committee.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 5.

Alex Atamanenko moved, — That the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food make a recommendation to the government to move toward implementing measures to alleviate the competitive disadvantage facing Canadian agri-retailers and farmers as a result of the recently passed U.S. Farm Bill, wherein are provided tax credits and grants to enhance security upgrades at American agri-retail sites as required by Dept. of Homeland Security regulations.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 7; NAYS: 1.

By unanimous consent, Brian Storseth moved, — That the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food send a letter to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry informing the Senate Committee that the House Committee has recently completed a study on Bill C-33, The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food - An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, in which they heard from a wide range of witnesses and stakeholders, and that as a result of the study is firmly of the position that biofuels production in Canada is beneficial both for the environment and for Canadian agriculture. Furthermore, the House of Commons encourages the Senate to expedite the passage of this important legislation.

Debate arose thereon.

André Bellavance moved, — That the motion be amended by adding the words “provided that it passes the amendments proposed by the Bloc Quebecois ” after the word “legislation”.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of André Bellavance and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 3; NAYS: 7.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to on the following recorded division: YEAS: Ken Boshcoff, Wayne Easter, Guy Lauzon, Larry Miller, Carol Skelton, Paul Steckle, Brian Storseth — 7; NAYS: Gérard Asselin, Alex Atamanenko, André Bellavance — 3.

At 12:02 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.