On motion of Sophie Chatel, it was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee hold a two-hour meeting to receive an update on the state of international trade, with a focus on the impact of tariffs on Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors and the measures announced by the government to support those affected, that the first hour be dedicated to hearing from officials from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and the Department of Finance, and that the second hour be reserved for testimony from affected stakeholders.

On motion of John Barlow, it was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study on the government’s regulatory reform initiative in agriculture and agri-food at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, with a focus on identifying where reforms can be expedited, where costs to producers and processors can be reduced without compromising health or trade, and where political leadership is required to move forward on long-standing files, that the study consist of up to eight meetings, and that members of the committee submit their witness list for this study to the clerk no later than Monday, September 22, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.

On motion of Yves Perron, it was agreed, — That, whereas:

1. The reference price used in the pork and beef sectors in Quebec and Canada is currently that of the US market, which can lead to distortions throughout the supply chain.
2. Producers, processors, and retailers all deserve a fair share of the revenue.

On motion of Yves Perron, it was agreed, —

That, whereas:

1. Consumer demand for locally produced or processed food has reached unprecedented levels, driven by greater attention to food safety, sustainability, and the importance of supporting local economies;
2. According to the OECD, between 2011 and 2023, Canada fell from 37th to 44th place out of 47 countries in terms of capital investment in the agri-food sector; and
3. According to a report by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, automation and digitization in the industry must be encouraged by the government in order for it to achieve its growth objectives;

That, pursuant to section 108(2) of the Standing Orders, the committee undertake an in-depth study involving at least four meetings with stakeholders in the sector to better leverage agri-food to strengthen food security in the face of global instability, with a particular focus on:

• Creating value within the Canadian food chain by promoting investment and innovation and reducing barriers to economic activity in Canada;
• Strengthening local food production and processing, from northern and remote communities to urban centers, to reduce our environmental footprint and food cost inflation; and
• Supporting local purchasing initiatives.

John Barlow moved, — That the committee invite the minister of Agriculture and Agri-food to appear before the committee for two hours no later than October 23, 2025, to testify on his mandate.

At 3:43 p.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 3:48 p.m., the meeting resumed.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That the committee invite the minister of Agriculture and Agri-food to appear before the committee as soon as possible, for 1 hour, to testify on his mandate.

Marianne Dandurand moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a short study of two meetings to receive an update on the implementation of the Grocery Code of Conduct, its shortcoming, and to examine how it is expected to address abusive retailer practices that negatively impact producers, processors, and the overall food supply chain, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises in primary agriculture, notably regarding fees, deductions, and penalties imposed by large retailers, as well as its potential effects on the affordability of food for consumers; and that the committee table its report in the House ideally in December 2025, to ensure timely consideration of the Code’s implementation and effectiveness.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a short study of two meetings, at the appropriate time, to receive an update on the implementation of the Grocery Code of Conduct, its shortcoming, and to examine how it is expected to address abusive retailer practices that negatively impact producers, processors, and the overall food supply chain, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises in primary agriculture, notably regarding fees, deductions, and penalties imposed by large retailers, as well as its potential effects on the affordability of food for consumers; and that the committee table its report in the House ideally in December 2025, to ensure timely consideration of the Code’s implementation and effectiveness.

Paul Connors moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of at least four meetings to update previous studies of this Committee on Business Risk Management (BRM) programs in Canada’s agriculture sector, particularly in light of the long-term impacts of climate change, with the goal of enhancing their effectiveness, responsiveness, risk-mitigation capacity, and resilience in preparation for the next FPT Agreement negotiations.

The study should also consider regional realities, the needs of small and medium-sized farms, and the federal-provincial-territorial collaboration required to ensure the delivery of effective BRM programs. In addition, the study should explore options to modernize the FPT Agreement by:

• incorporating more clearly defined policy outcomes (including regulatory reform, policy coherence, and timelines);
• clarifying roles and responsibilities;
• encouraging regional investments to support large-scale projects, such as agrotechnology parks or regional cold storage and transportation hubs.

The study should be finalized before June 2026.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of at least four meetings to update previous studies of this Committee on Business Risk Management (BRM) programs in Canada’s agriculture sector, in full respect of the jurisdictions and autonomy of the provinces and territories, particularly in light of the long-term impacts of climate change, with the goal of enhancing their effectiveness, responsiveness, risk-mitigation capacity, and resilience in preparation for the next FPT Agreement negotiations.

The study should also consider regional realities, the needs of small and medium-sized farms, and the federal-provincial-territorial collaboration required to ensure the delivery of effective BRM programs. In addition, the study should explore options to modernize the FPT Agreement by:

• incorporating more clearly defined policy outcomes (including regulatory reform, policy coherence, and timelines);
• clarifying roles and responsibilities;
• encouraging regional investments to support large-scale projects, such as agrotechnology parks or regional cold storage and transportation hubs.

The study should be finalized before June 2026.