Date: March 2, 2015

To: Bryan Walton, National Cattle Feeders’ Association Casey Vander Ploeg, National Cattle Feeders’ Association

From: Cathy Jo Noble & Peter Brackenridge

Parliamentary Update

As noted below, while the Senate was quiet there were some exchanges in the House of Commons on issues of interest to the NCFA. Next week, both the House of Commons and Senate take a one-week recess.

On February 23rd, the following exchange occurred during Question Period between NPD MP’s and the Minister of Health regarding the CFIA.

Mr. Malcolm Allen (Welland, NDP) Mr. Speaker, Canadian families expect the government to make sure that the food they are putting on their family tables is safe. New reports from a CFIA inspector are actually quite distressing. She said she was regularly intimidated by abattoir operators just for trying to do her job. When she brought forward her concerns, her supervisors dismissed them. Is the minister aware of this situation, and if indeed the minister is, does she really think this level of oversight will keep Canadians' food safe?

Rona Ambrose (Minister of Health) Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, in the last budget we invested another $390 million in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. That is almost $1 billion, under our government, into food safety. Today the Conference Board of Canada rates our food safety system number one against 17 other OECD countries. We are very proud of that. We can always do better. In terms of this issue, I am aware of it, and I have asked the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to provide a safe and respectful workplace and environment, as we all expect, and I know it will be doing that.

Ms. Ruth Ellen Brosseau (Berthier-Maskinonge, NPD) Mr. Speaker, La Presse revealed today that inspectors from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are victims of intimidation when they perform their duties to the letter. They are even transferred if they report problems or are too insistent. Staff cuts are putting even more pressure on the remaining inspectors. Does the minister realize that the credibility of the agri-food industry and public safety are called into question by today's revelations?

Rona Ambrose (Minister of Health) Mr. Speaker, this is an issue I take seriously, and I do expect the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to provide a very safe and healthy work environment. Of course, there are avenues. There is whistleblower protection. There is also the labour department and the Labour Code. Again, there are employee assistance programs available for any employees who may need them.

On February 24th, a further exchange occurred on the BSE issue, regarding food safety and the CFIA.

Mr. Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway, NDP) Mr. Speaker, when news broke of a BSE case in Alberta, the Minister of Agriculture said that it would not harm exports, but within days, South Korea banned Canadian beef, and then Indonesia. Now Peru, Belarus, and Taiwan have also announced blanket restrictions. Far from there being no harm, we now have five jurisdictions banning Canadian beef. These trade restrictions will cost our producers and our economy, and there is concern that they could grow. Why have the Conservatives failed to effectively protect our beef exports and what are they doing to reverse the damage?

Gerry Ritz (Minister of Agriculture) Mr. Speaker, the World Organization for Animal Health recognizes Canada as a controlled risk status country. The CFIA and the market access secretariat continue to engage our trading partners to ensure that markets stay open, and to re-open markets to Canadian beef as quickly as possible. With regard to the countries the member mentioned, while they have imposed temporary restrictions, these markets, while important, represent a small percentage, some 3%, of our overall trade.

Mr. Malcolm Allen (Welland, NDP) Mr. Speaker, tell that to the 3% of ranchers across this country that have actually just lost their markets, that it is insignificant. Beef boycotts have spread to five countries now, with exports worth more than $70 million. I do not think that is chump change. Maybe the minister does. Keeping foreign markets open depends on a really strong regulatory system here in this country. The Conservatives have cut the Canadian Food Inspection Agency budget. They say they did not, but the reality is, according to the numbers, they did. It is really simple. Why is the government putting that sector that is worth billions of dollars at risk, and when will Conservatives act on behalf of all farms across this country and stand up for farmers?

Rona Ambrose (Minister of Health) Mr. Speaker, the member knows full well that since our government came to power, we have invested close to $1 billion in the food safety system in this country. What has that resulted in? The Conference Board of Canada rates our food safety system as number one against 17 OECD countries. We will continue to invest in our food safety system and are proud of its record.

Throughout the week, as in past weeks, various MPs presented petitions calling on the government to respect the rights of small family farms to store, trade and use seed.

Comment: FYI

Committee Update

The House of Commons Agriculture Committee met on February 24th to continue its study on “Promoting Domestic Trade of Agricultural and Agri-Food Products by Reducing Interprovincial Barriers”. Of note, the Canadian Seed Trade Association (Patty Townsend) was one of the witnesses who appeared. No future meetings are scheduled as yet.

The Senate Finance Committee met on February 24th to discuss the Government’s Supplementary Estimates (financial plan) for 2014-15. Among the witness who appeared was Alexis Conrad, Director General, Temporary Foreign Workers

Program, Skills and Employment Branch (Employment and Social Development Canada). Transcripts of the session will not be available until mid-March.

Comment: FYI

Announcements of Interest

Minister Ritz announces Royal Assent of Agricultural Growth Act

February 27, 2015 – Winnipeg, MB - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today that the Agricultural Growth Act (Bill C-18) received Royal Assent. The Agricultural Growth Act will modernize Canadian agriculture and increase trade opportunities for farmers.

Farmers now benefit from greater access to new crop varieties and the latest technology to remain competitive and meet the needs of Canadians. This new legislation strengthens agricultural intellectual property rights through the ratification of the Act of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, also known as UPOV'91, improves access to the latest scientific research, reduces red tape and regulatory burden on producers, and expands global market opportunities. As well, inspectors have stronger tools to enforce regulations and deter anyone who puts Canada's plant and animal resource base at risk.

Yesterday Minister Ritz tabled before Parliament a treaty to ratify the UPOV'91 Convention. The 1991 UPOV Convention is the international standard for plant breeders' rights. Being party to the UPOV'91 Convention will provide access to new and better tools to help Canada's farmers and agricultural industry grow their businesses and bring Canada in line with its major trading partners.

Ratification of the UPOV'91 Convention at the international level will facilitate farmers' access to new and innovative plant varieties while protecting intellectual property and encouraging investment.

This new legislation will increase trade opportunities, enhance oversight and contribute to Canada's overall economic growth.

Producers Choices Enhanced with 2015 Crop Insurance Program

February 26, 2015 – Melville, Saskatchewan – Today Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced details of the 2015 Crop Insurance Program, which includes ongoing enhancements giving producers more choice and flexibility to build an insurance package suited to the needs of their operation.

The Crop Insurance budget for 2015 is $154 million. On average coverage levels are increasing to $183 per acre, up from $162 per acre in 2014. Premiums are going down to an average of $7.06 per acre from $7.47 in 2014. The improved coverage is a result of better forecasted crop prices and increased long-term yields. The lower premium is a result of lower rates to provide insurance coverage to producers. The deadline for customers to apply for, make changes to or cancel a Crop Insurance contract is March 31, 2015.

Producers who prefer to do their business online are encouraged to use CropConnect where they can review their coverage selections and use the online tools to see what coverage best fits the needs of the operation. Detailed program and contract information is also available at any local Crop Insurance office, at www.saskcropinsurance.com or by calling 1-888-935-0000.

Under Crop Insurance, premiums for most programs are shared 40 per cent by participating producers, 36 per cent by the Government of Canada and 24 per cent by the Government of Saskatchewan. Administrative expenses are fully-funded by governments, 60 per cent by Canada and 40 per cent by Saskatchewan.

Comment: FYI