AGRI Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food met at 9:07 a.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Chair, James Bezan, presiding.

John Masswohl, Lisa Mina, Mike Dungate, John Anderson and Don Jarvis made statements and, with Lynne Markell, answered questions.

Alex Atamanenko moved, — That the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food write a letter to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Honourable Gerry Ritz, recommending the government abandon its plan to remove Kernel Visual Distinguishability (KVD) as a variety registration screening criteria for all classes of Western Canadian wheat as of August 1, 2008, and only proceed with its removal when a variety identification system that has gained the confidence of those whose interests are protected by the current KVD system, has been put in its place.

Debate arose thereon.

At 10:43 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 11:02 a.m., the sitting resumed.

Brian Storseth moved, — That the debate on motions on the Order of the day, be suspended.

Debate arose thereon.

Lloyd St. Amand moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the word “suspended” the following: “and that the said motions be dealt with at the beginning of the next meeting”.

The question was put on the amendment of Lloyd St. Amand and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 11; NAYS: 0.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That the debate on motions on the Order of the day, be suspended until Thursday, May 1st, 2008, and that the said motions be dealt with at the beginning of the next meeting.

The question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 11; NAYS: 0.

At 11:09 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 11:10 a.m., the sitting resumed in camera.

It was agreed, — That, in relation with its Fact-Finding mission on the World Trade Organisation, the Committee travel to Geneva, Brussels and Paris, from May 24 to 30, 2008, including 8 members of the Committee and that the necessary staff do accompany the Committee.

It was agreed, — That the proposed budget to support the Committee's travel in relation with its Fact-finding mission on the World Trade Organisation, the Committee travel to Geneva, Brussels and Paris in the amount of $164,153 be adopted and that the Chair present the said budget to the Budget Subcommittee of the Liaison Committee.

It was agreed, — That the budget of the Committee in the amount of $39,700 for the study on “Product of Canada” Claims be adopted.

At 11:15 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.