THE STANDING SENATE COMMITEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Tuesday, November 25, 2025
(14)
[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 deputy chair, the Honourable John McNair, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Burey, McBean, McNair, Muggli, Robinson, Sorensen and Varone (7).
Participating in the meeting: Joanne Markle LaMontagne, Analyst, Library of Parliament; Monica Granados, Communications Officer, Communications, Broadcasting and Publications Directorate.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the committee continued its study on the role of the agriculture and agri-food sector with regard to food security in Canada.
WITNESSES:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada:
Liz Foster, Assistant Deputy Minister, Programs Branch;
Felicitas Katepa-Mupondwa, Director General, Prairie Region, Science and Technology Branch (by videoconference);
Sophie Beecher, Director General, Sustainable Development Policy Directorate, Strategic Policy Branch;
Jason Baillargeon, Director, Food Policy Division, Strategic Policy Branch.
Canadian Cattle Association:
Dennis Laycraft, Executive Vice-President.
Food and Beverage Canada:
Kristina Farrell, Chief Executive Officer (by videoconference);
Jean-Emmanuel Poitras, Director, Policy and Regulatory Affairs (by videoconference).
Canadian Produce Marketing Association:
Ron Lemaire, President.
Sophie Beecher made a statement and, together with Jason Baillargeon, Liz Foster and Felicitas Katepa-Mupondwa, answered questions.
At 7:12 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 7:16 p.m., the committee resumed.
Dennis Laycraft, Kristina Farrell and Ron Lemaire each made a statement and answered questions.
At 8:15 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 8:20 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 8:30 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Catlin Seibel-Kamél
Clerk of the Committee