THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Thursday, February 26, 2026
(22)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry met this day at 8:01 a.m., in room B45, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Mary Robinson, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Black, Burey, Martin, McBean, McNair, Muggli and Robinson (7).
Participating in the meeting: Joanne Markle LaMontagne, Analyst, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, November 20, 2025, the committee continued its consideration of Bill S-230, An Act respecting the development of a national strategy for soil health protection, conservation and enhancement.
WITNESSES:
Farmers for Climate Solutions:
Geneviève Grossenbacher, Director of Policy;
David Burton, Scientific Advisor;
Paul Slomp, Board Member and Farmer.
Canadian Federation of Agriculture:
Brodie Berrigan, Senior Director, Government Relations and Farm Policy;
Drew Spoelstra, Director.
As an individual:
Kenneth Bear, First Nation Professional Agrologist.
Kenneth Bear, Geneviève Grossenbacher, Paul Slomp, David Burton and Drew Spoelstra each made a statement and, together with Brodie Berrigan, answered questions.
At 9:01 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 9:09 a.m., the committee resumed.
It was agreed that the committee proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-230.
It was agreed that the title stand postponed.
It was agreed that the preamble stand postponed.
It was agreed that clause 1, which contains the short title, stand postponed.
The chair asked whether clause 2 shall carry.
It was agreed that clause 2 carry.
The chair asked whether clause 3 shall carry.
The Honourable Senator McNair moved that Bill S-230 be amended, in clause 3, on page 3, by adding the following after line 18:
“(4) The Minister must ensure that the views of farmers representing different regions of Canada and the diversity of farm operations are taken into account in a meaningful way during the consultations referred to in subsection (3).”.
After debate, the question being put on the motion in amendment, it was adopted.
At 9:17 a.m., the committee suspended.
At 9:58 a.m., the committee resumed.
At 9:58 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Caroline Woodward
Clerk of the Committee