AGRI Committee Meeting

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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 31

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food met in camera at 3:35 p.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Chair, Larry Miller, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Alex Atamanenko, André Bellavance, France Bonsant, Hon. Wayne Easter, Hon. Mark Eyking, Randy Hoback, Pierre Lemieux, Larry Miller, Blake Richards, Bev Shipley, Brian Storseth and Francis Valeriote.

In attendance: Library of Parliament: Frédéric Forge, Analyst.

Witnesses: Canadian Grain Commission: Nathan Gerelus, Policy Analyst; Jim Smolik, Assistant Chief Commissioner. Grain Growers of Canada: Richard Phillips, Executive Director; Rick White, Executive Director, Canadian Canola Growers Association. Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities: Jim Hallick, Vice President; David Marit, President.

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

It was agreed, — That, given the importance of protecting the cattle slaughter industry, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food shall study the impacts of regulating specific risk materials (SRM) once Parliament resumes, and report its observations and recommendations to the House.

It was agreed, — That the Standing Committee of Agriculture & Agri-Food invite at the earliest opportunity the Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food and officials to appear before the committee to discuss the issue of the hog and pork sector in Canada, the economic crisis they are facing, and the federal government's response to that crisis.

It was agreed, — That the Standing Committee of Agriculture & Agri-Food invite the Deputy Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food John Knubley to attend a meeting of the committee in order to discuss his credentials and his vision of the future direction of the department.

It was agreed, — That the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food study the legislation surrounding producer car loading sites, given CN's recent decision to close 52 sites, and the impacts both on farmers and rail companies.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the Committee on February 24, 2009, the Committee resumed its study of Competitiveness of Canadian Agriculture.

At 4:43 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:45 p.m., the Committee resumed sitting in public.

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 5:43 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Isabelle Duford
Clerk of the Committee

2009/09/18 11:29 a.m.