AGRI Committee Meeting

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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 31

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food met at 11:10 a.m. this day, in Room 701, La Promenade Building, the Chair, Gerry Ritz, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: David Anderson, Alex Atamanenko, André Bellavance, James Bezan, Ken Boshcoff, Hon. Wayne Easter, Larry Miller, Gerry Ritz, Jean-Yves Roy and Paul Steckle.

Acting Members present: Christian Paradis for Jacques Gourde and Lloyd St. Amand for Hon. Robert Thibault.

In attendance: Library of Parliament: Jean-Denis Fréchette, Principal.

Witnesses: Tobacco Farmers In Crisis: Brian Edwards, President; Mark Bannister, Vice-Chair. Ontario Apple Growers: James Rickard, Chair; Brian Gilroy, Vice Chair. Office des producteurs de tabac jaune du Québec: Luc Hervieux, Vice-President; Christian Boisjoly, Director. Ontario Tobacco Board: Fred Neukamm, Chair; Richard Van Maele, Vice Chair.

The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to a study on Supplemental Beef Quotas.

James Bezan moved, — That, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food reports the following recommendations to the House: That, the Minister of Foreign Affairs shall continue, after the normalization of trade with the United States in cattle over 30 months of age, to:

i) not authorize supplementary import permits for beef or veal unless applicants have demonstrated that they have undertaken all possible efforts to purchase Canadian beef or veal;

ii) limit the quantity of beef or veal authorized on any supplemental import permit to a quantity that the applicant can demonstrate is consistent with their normal usage in a period of time specified by the Minister; iii) ensure that total annual supplementary import permits for beef and veal shall not exceed 76, 409 metric tonne without exceptional circumstances as determined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs; and

iv) report to the House if the Minister has reason to believe that extraordinary circumstances warrant exceeding the quantity established in paragraph (iii) and explain the reasons for the increase to the House.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

It was agreed, — That, a working lunch be held at the Committee's meeting on Thursday, December 14, 2006.

At 11:23 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 11:29 a.m., the sitting resumed.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to a briefing on the Horticultural Sector and Tobacco Producers.

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 12:39 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 12:42 p.m., the sitting resumed.

At 1:31 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Richard Rumas
Committee Clerk

2006/12/11 12:41 p.m.