Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Agriculture and Forestry

Issue 25 - Minutes of Proceedings - October 30, 2012

OTTAWA, Tuesday, October 30, 2012
(48)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry met this day at 5:17 p.m., in Room 2, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Percy Mockler, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Buth, Callbeck, Dagenais, Duffy, Eaton, Mahovlich, Merchant, Mockler, Nolin, Plett and Robichaud, P.C., (11).

In attendance: Aïcha Coulibaly, Analyst, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, June 16, 2011, the committee continued its consideration of research and innovation efforts in the agricultural sector. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue no. 1.)

WITNESSES:

Potash Corp:

Jeff Holzman, Director, Market Research.

Canadian Fertilizer Institute:

Robert Godfrey, Senior Manager, Policy.

Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions:

Stan Blade, Chief Executive Officer.

British Columbia Innovation Council:

John Jacobson, Chief Executive Officer (by video conference).

Mr. Holzman made an opening statement and, together with Mr. Godfrey, answered questions.

At 6:21 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:27 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Blade and Mr. Jacobson each made opening statements and answered questions.

At 6:58 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 7:01 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to consider a draft agenda.

It was agreed that the committee begin hearing from departmental officials, including the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on Thursday, November 1, 2012 with regard to the motion for the committee's study of the subject-matter of Bill C-45 adopted by the Senate earlier today.

It was agreed that all witnesses that committee members wish to propose be submitted to the clerk no later than the meeting of Thursday, November 1, 2012 at which time the committee will determine the additional witnesses it will hear with regard to its study of the subject-matter of Bill C-45.

At 7:07 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Kevin Pittman

Clerk of the Committee