These comments are direct quotations from the Hansard
documents.
Experimental Farm Closure
Mr. Brent St. Denis
(Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, my question is
for the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food.
Several months ago the
government announced the closure of four science sites including the
Kapuskasing Experimental Farm. I realize the government wants to ensure
that money for science is spent on research and development and not on
unnecessary maintenance and other overhead costs.
On May 17 at the
agriculture committee the minister said he intends to conduct a broad
review of how agricultural science is conducted and to look for possible
partnerships with the provinces, universities, research centres, and
others.
Could the minister update
the House on this very important issue?
Hon. Andy Mitchell
(Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we will be
conducting a national review, one which will ensure that we maintain our
national and regional commitments to science, one which will make sure
that we talk to and engage stakeholders. In the interim, we will be
putting a moratorium on the closures that were announced in Kapuskasing,
Nappan, St. John's and Winnipeg.
I would like to thank the
member for Avalon, the member for Kings--Hants, and the member for
Cumberland--Colchester for their input on this matter
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