THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Tuesday, November 18, 2025
(12)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry met this day at 6:31 p.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Robert Black, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Black, Burey, Martin, McBean, McNair, Muggli, Robinson, Sorensen and Varone (9).

Participating in the meeting: Joanne Markle LaMontagne, Analyst, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the committee began its examination of issues as may arise from time to time relating to agriculture and forestry. (Topic: Ag101)

WITNESSES:

Global Affairs Canada:

Aaron Fowler, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade and Chief Trade Negotiator;

Lynn McDonald, Director General, North America Trade Policy Bureau.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada:

Matthew Smith, Chief Agriculture Negotiator and Director General, Trade Agreements and Negotiations;

Axel Ndayisaba, Director, Trade Negotiations Division.

Aaron Fowler made a statement and, together with Matthew Smith and Lynn McDonald, answered questions.

At 7:49 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 7:52 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to discuss a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed that the committee allow the audio recording of the in camera portion of today’s meeting, that one copy be kept with the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members and/or staff, and that the audio recording be destroyed by the clerk of the committee when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, but no later than at the end of this parliamentary session.

At 8:14 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Catlin Seibel-Kamél

Clerk of the Committee