Question to Min. MacAulay on Farmers in Western Canada

Thank you to Minister MacAulay for answering my question in the House of Commons on the government’s recent announcement to support farmers in Western Canada.

✔︎ Bill C-280, Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act

Bill

Bill C-280, An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (deemed trust – perishable fruits and vegetables)

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

C-280 seeks to create a “deemed trust” that would enable fresh produce sellers to demand return of the full proceeds from the sale of their products ahead of the claims of all other creditors in the case of a BIA and restructurings under the CCAA. The government would look to introduce an amendment to limit the deemed trust to “growers” rather than “sellers” to target the deemed trust at farmers and greenhouse growers of fresh produce, and to exclude large Canadian and US agribusiness and wholesalers as they would be captured in the definition of “sellers”. “Growers” will distinguish the new deemed trust from the existing limited super-priority for Canadian farmers, fishers, and aquacultures. The definition of “farm” in the current BIA super-priority means “land in Canada”, while “grower” would include US farmers and may provide additional parity with PACA that could support efforts to restore preferential Canadian access in the US.

Passed.

Bill Status

At second reading in the Senate

✔︎ Bill S-227, Food Day in Canada Act

Bill

Bill S-227, An Act to establish Food Day in Canada

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

Supporting this Bill sends the message that the government values connections and trust between consumers and food producers, while also valuing the ability of local food systems to offer a variety of choices to consumers. The government would show it recognizes inequities in food systems across the country and is willing to propose concrete solutions to address them. This Bill fills a void, since no official, federally designated day exists to celebrate the contribution of this sector to Canada.

Passed.

Bill Status

Royal Assent received

MP Aldag Calls for Preservation of 300-acre Federal Lands for Agricultural Use

June 22, 2022 – British Columbia

MP Aldag has advocated since the 42nd Parliament for the 300-acre federally owned lands along the Surrey-Langley border, currently used by local vegetable farms, to remain agricultural after the government’s current disposal process:

“I toured these agricultural lands one day after the extreme flooding last November. We drove across fields in a truck while most other farmland was under water — a testament to the quality and importance of these lands for our economy, food security, and environment.

“I advocated for these lands in the 42nd Parliament and have doubled down by leading the advocacy in the past year. The 300-acre site is an essential producer of vegetables for our region and all of British Columbia. I believe the best use of these lands is continued agricultural production. These lands are critical in preserving food security and mitigating climate change in our community and British Columbia. While I support the development of industrial space in many parts of our community, these specific lands must remain agricultural.

“I converged a bipartisan group of local MPs to ensure that the voices advocating for continued agricultural use are heard. I have been briefed by the departments of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Public Services and Procurement Canada. I advocated for a complete review of these lands, including for agricultural and not only industrial use. I believe these lands are best placed in the provincial Agricultural Land Reserve. This is one of many steps needed between now and the finalization of the department’s disposal process, including meaningful consultations with First Nations groups. Depending on the outcome of those consultations, I am committed to seeing these lands remain in agricultural production.”

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca

✔︎ Bill C-8, Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021

Bill

Bill C-8, An Act to implement certain provisions of the economic and fiscal update tabled in Parliament on December 14, 2021 and other measures

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The Act enacts measures laid out in the Economic and Fiscal Update announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on December 14 2021.

Passed

Bill Status

Royal Assent received

✔︎ M-108 (Ranchers and Farmers)

Motion

M-108: Contribution of ranchers and farmers

Second reading.

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The language of the motion essentially reflects a long-standing position of the Government of Canada. Supporting M-108 demonstrates the Government’s recognition of the contribution and the critical role played by ranchers and farmers. Supporting  M-108 also provides an opportunity to highlight the expected contribution of the next agricultural policy framework in continuing to support “on-farm” stewardship and conservation activities, as well as many positive achievements of our government, such as Budget 2017 recognizing that Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector is a key driver of economic growth. 

Result

Passed.