AGRI Committee Meeting

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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 14

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food met at 9:04 this day, in Room 308, West Block, the Chair, James Bezan, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Alex Atamanenko, André Bellavance, James Bezan, Ken Boshcoff, Hon. Wayne Easter, Guy Lauzon, Larry Miller, Hon. Carol Skelton, Lloyd St. Amand, Paul Steckle, Brian Storseth and Ève-Mary Thaï Thi Lac.

In attendance: Library of Parliament: Jean-Denis Fréchette, Principal ; Frédéric Forge, Analyst ; Sam Banks, Analyst.

Witnesses: Canadian Renewable Fuels Association: Gordon Quaiattini, President. Biox Corporation: Tim Haig, President and Chief Executive Officer. National Farmers Union: Kenneth Sigurdson, Researcher. Grain Growers of Canada: Richard Phillips, Executive Director. Canadian Canola Growers Association: Brian Chorney, Director. Canadian Federation of Agriculture: Bob Friesen, President.

The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to the motion of the Hon. Wayne Easter.

Wayne Easter moved, — That the Committee call on an urgent basis and prior to March 13, 2008, Mr. Elwin Hermanson, the Chief Commissioner of the Canada Grain Commission.

Debate arose thereon.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 5; NAYS: 3.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference of February 1st, 2008, the Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-33, Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

Gordon Quaiattini, Brian Chorney, Richard Phillips, Bob Friesen and Kenneth Sigurdson made statements and, with Tim Haig, answered questions.

Carol Skelton moved, — That the Committee hold additional meetings every Monday evenings until it reaches the completion of the study of Bill C-33.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was negatived on the following recorded division: YEAS: Guy Lauzon, Larry Miller, Carol Skelton, Brian Storseth — 4; NAYS: Alex Atamanenko, André Bellavance, Wayne Easter, Paul Steckle, Ève-Mary Thaï Thi Lac — 5.

Paul Steckle moved, — That the Committee hold one meeting, on February 25, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for the purpose of hearing witnesses on the Committee study on Bill C-33.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to on the following recorded division: YEAS: Alex Atamanenko, André Bellavance, Wayne Easter, Guy Lauzon, Larry Miller, Carol Skelton, Paul Steckle, Brian Storseth, Ève-Mary Thaï Thi Lac — 9; NAYS: — 0.

On motion of Wayne Easter, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide a working meal for the Committee for its meeting of February 25, 2008.

At 11:00 , the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Jean-François Lafleur
Clerk of the Committee

2008/02/13 3:52 p.m.