AGRI Committee Meeting

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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 43

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food met at 3:29 p.m. this day, in Room 213, Wellington Building, 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.

Acting Members present: Merv Tweed for Brian Storseth.

In attendance: Library of Parliament: Aïcha Coulibaly, Analyst ; Frédéric Forge, Analyst.

Witnesses: Option consommateurs: Michel Arnold, Executive Director; François Décary-Gilardeau, Analyst, Agri-food. University of British Columbia: Brian E. Ellis, Professor, Michael Smith Laboratories. University of Guelph: Rickey Y. Yada, Department of Food Science.

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

André Bellavance moved, — That the Committee recommend to the government that it immediately implement an assistance program for the cattle industry to help it cover the $31.70 cost per head, which represents the competitiveness gap between Canada and the United States caused by Canada’s Specified Risk Materials (SRM) standards; and that the Committee report to the House of Commons.

Debate arose thereon.

Alex Atamanenko moved, — That the debate be now adjourned.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 5.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the Committee on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, the Committee commenced its study on genetically modified organisms.

Michel Arnold, François Décary-Gilardeau, Rickey Y. Yada and Brian E. Ellis made statements and answered questions.

It was agreed, — That, notwithstanding the motion adopted on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, five (5) minutes be allocated to each questioner during the questioning of witnesses.

At 5:17 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Isabelle Duford
Clerk of the Committee

2010/01/28 3:56 p.m.