The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food met at 3:32 p.m. this day, in Room 371 West Block, the Chair, Paul Steckle, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: David L. Anderson, Charlie Angus, James Bezan, Claude Drouin, Wayne Easter, Roger Gaudet, David Kilgour, Larry Miller, Denise Poirier-Rivard, Gerry Ritz, Paul Steckle and Rose-Marie Ur.
In attendance: Library of Parliament: Jean-Denis Fréchette, Principal.
Witnesses: Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food: Mary Komarynsky, Assistant Deputy Minister, Farm Financial Programs Branch; Danny Foster, Acting Director General, Farm Income & Adaptation Policy; Michele Taylor, Executive Director, Farm Income Programs Directorate.
The Assistant Deputy Minister made a statement and, with the other witnesses answered questions.
Denise Poirier-Rivard moved, — That, in the Committee’s opinion, the government should increase its contribution for agriculture indicated in the 2005 budget, in view of the crisis facing farmers in Quebec and throughout the country.
After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 3.
By unanimous consent, on motion of James Bezan, it was agreed, — That the Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada do appear before the Standing Committee as soon as possible to provide full details into the government's response to the continued border closure against Canadian cattle and to outline plans for improved support for the beef industry.
At 5:18 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Angela CrandallCommittee Clerk