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Agriculture and Agri-Food

In question period on agriculture, Conservative MP Dave Epp asked why the government is proceeding with the $90-billion Alto rail project, saying it affects more than 5,500 farms and cuts up valuable farmland at a time when farmers say food security depends on protecting farmland. Liberal minister Steven MacKinnon replied that the government is pursuing high-speed rail across Canada, including southwestern Ontario, and said it would work with farmers so the project supports agriculture, adding that the Conservatives oppose the project.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

2 statements

Dave Epp

Conservative
“The government's $90-billion rail project will hurt more than 5,500 farms. I want to know why the government is cutting up valuable farmland during a recession instead of protecting our food supply.”

  • A repeated line

    “Canada is the only G20 country in a recession.”

    Said 104 times by 61 members since May 29.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, Canada is the only G20 country in a recession, under the Liberal Prime Minister. Farmers warn that food security begins with protecting valuable farmland, yet the Liberals continue to advance the $90-billion Alto rail project, despite concerns about its impact on more than 5,500 farms. While $2.5 million in bonuses has already been paid before a single inch of track has been laid, Canadians across the country pay and local communities suffer. Is the Liberals’ plan for food security to slice up farmland? Is this what they call governing in a technical recession, or is it really just a technical war on agriculture?

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Steven MacKinnon

Liberal
“We are building high-speed rail across Canada, including in southwestern Ontario. We will work with farmers so this project helps agriculture. The Conservatives oppose this project, and Canadians see that.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Clarity 12 of 100

    Much of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

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Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, we are so proud to be pursuing the development of high-speed rail throughout Canada. In fact, we look forward to the day when that member can hail a high-speed train in his sector of the woods in southwestern Ontario. We will, of course, achieve that by working with farmers and their representatives. We will, of course, do that by upholding principles whereby agriculture continues to flourish in our country. We do note the Conservatives’ opposition to this project. I can tell that member that most Canadians have noted their opposition to that project as well.

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