Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Agriculture and Forestry

Issue 7 - Minutes of Proceedings - December 6, 2011

OTTAWA, Tuesday, December 6, 2011
(14)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry met this day at 2:03 p.m., in room 2, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Percy Mockler, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Duffy, Eaton, Fairbairn, P.C., Mahovlich, Mercer, Mockler, Ogilvie, Peterson, Plett, Rivard, Robichaud, P.C., Stratton and Tkachuk (13).

In attendance: Sarah Jane Fraser, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament; and Mona Ishack, Communications Officer, Communications Directorate.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, December 1, 2011, the committee began its consideration of Bill C-18. An Act to reorganize the Canadian Wheat Board and to make consequential and related amendments to certain Acts.

APPEARING:

The Honourable Gerry Ritz, P.C., M.P., Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board.

WITNESSES:

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada:

John Knubley, Deputy Minister;

Greg Meredith, Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy Branch;

Grain Growers of Canada:

Richard Phillips, Executive Director.

Pulse Canada:

Gordon Bacon, Chief Executive Officer.

Canadian Grain Commission:

Murdoch MacKay, Commissioner.

As individuals:

Jim Chatenay;

John Turcato.

The minister made an opening statement and, together with Mr.Knubley, answered questions.

At 3:08 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 3:13 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Knubley made an opening statement and, together with Mr. Meredith, answered questions.

At 4:06 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 4:13 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Knubley made an opening statement and, together with Mr. Phillips, Mr. Bacon, Mr. MacKay and Mr. Meredith, answered questions.

At 5:11 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:18 p.m., the committee resumed.

Messrs. Chatenay and Turcato each made an opening statement and, together, answered questions.

At 5:48 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Kevin Pittman

Clerk of the Committee