Question Period Notes
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In accordance with the Access to Information Act, the government proactively publishes the package of question period notes that were prepared by a government institution for the minister and that were in use on the last sitting day in June and December.
The question period notes may be partially or fully redacted in accordance with the legislation; for example, if the notes contain information related to national security or personal information. (Learn more about exemptions and exclusions.)
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Q1 - Why is the government narrowing the farmers’ privilege exemption — isn’t this a direct attack on farmers’ rights to save and reuse seed? Q2 – The National Farmers Union (NFU) say these changes will hurt small farmers and benefit multinational seed companies. Is the government prioritizing corporate interests over Canadian producers? Q3 – Why extend the protection period from 20 to 25 years for certain crops like potatoes, asparagus, and woody plants? Q4 – How will these changes affect public sector breeding programs and access to new varieties for Canadian producers?
Q1 – What is the Government doing to protect against Spotted lanternfly? Q2 – What is the Government doing to protect against Japanese Beetle? Q3 – What is the Government doing to protect against box tree moth?
Q4 – What is the Government doing to protect against hemlock woolly adelgid?
Q1 – What do growers have to do to meet the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s regulatory requirements? Q2 – Will Prince Edward Island seed potatoes be allowed to resume movement to the United States and domestically from Prince Edward Island? Q3 – Will the Government of Canada review its Ministerial Order to lift or relax the requirements? Q4– (AAFC) How does the Government of Canada support potato farmers through federal programs? Q5 – How is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency using Government funding to help prevent potato wart spread in Canada?
Q1 – When can a “Product of Canada” claim be made?
Q2 - What other claims can be made to highlight Canadian content? Q3 – What is the Government of Canada doing about “maple washing” on foods that aren’t Canadian?
Q1 – When can stakeholders expect the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to reduce red tape? Q2 – How is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency working with stakeholders to reduce red tape?
Q1 – As Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, what are the key regulatory functions you oversee? Q2 – Are there opportunities to modernize Canada’s agriculture and agri-food regulatory system? Q3 – Was the 60-day Review a new initiative? Q4 – What follows the Red Tape Progress Report? Q5 – How will AAFC ensure it contributes to red tape reduction and regulatory reform? Q6 – How is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency contributing to red tape reduction and regulatory reform?
Q1 – What is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency doing to modernize seed regulations? Q2 - How does the CFIA plan to reduce red tape through this regulatory review? Q3- What stage is the modernization process at now and what are the next steps?
Q1 – Who is responsible for food safety in Canada? Q2 – What measures are currently in place to ensure that food is safe to eat? Q3 – What additional measures, including mutual recognition, ensure that imported foods meet the same standards as domestically manufactured foods?
Q1 – What is the Government of Canada doing to support the agriculture sector? Q2 – How is AAFC engaging with the agriculture sector and decision-makers in the United States? Q3 – What is AAFC doing to support diversification efforts for agriculture and agri-food products? Q4 – What is the Government doing to promote Canadian agriculture and food products in Canada? Q5 – What is the status of the 2026 Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review? Q6 – What will be Canada’s approach on dairy with the U.S.? Q7 – What are the key trade irritants with the U.S.? Q8 – Has the agriculture sector been able to comply with CUSMA?
Q1 – How does the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) apply to the agriculture and agri-food sector? Q2 – How is Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) helping reduce interprovincial trade barriers in Canada? Q3 – What international trade obligations impact interprovincial trade in Canada’s agricultural sector? Q4 – How will the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act (One Canadian Economy Act) improve internal trade in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector?