Hon. Amina Gerba: Honourable senators, I rise with great enthusiasm, as you can imagine, to support the passage of Bill C-202, An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management).

This bill, which passed unanimously and without debate in the other place on June 5, sends a very clear message that supply management is a fundamental policy that the Canadian Parliament wishes to fully and definitively protect. This is not merely a symbolic gesture. It is a clear legislative commitment to prevent the Minister of Foreign Affairs from compromising the pillars of our supply management system in international trade negotiations. This system supports thousands of farming businesses, keeps prices stable and guarantees our country’s food sovereignty.

Honourable senators, this bill is identical to Bill C-282, which passed in the other place on June 21, 2023, and which I had the honour and privilege of sponsoring at the time. Bill C-282 marked a first in this chamber, as both the critic, Senator Harder, and I were members of the Progressive Senate Group. This unprecedented situation in no way compromised our group’s cohesion. On the contrary, it enriched our debates and highlighted the vitality of our democracy.

Honourable colleagues, although Bill C-282 died on the Order Paper following prorogation, the remarkable work carried out by the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade remains of inestimatable value.

During the seven meetings devoted to the objective study of Bill C-282, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade heard from dozens of witnesses, both for and against the bill. Their insightful and contrasting testimony not only fuelled the debates, but they also reinforced the legitimacy of this initiative. They allowed the honourable members of this chamber to develop an informed opinion on this important Canadian policy that goes back more than 50 years.

Today we have an opportunity — a duty, even — to continue moving forward. Our colleagues in the other place spoke with a single voice. They recognized the urgent need to take action in a context of growing trade tensions, particularly with the United States.

Elected members of Parliament chose to protect our dairy, poultry and egg producers by providing them with a stable and predictable legal framework.

Honourable senators, the supply management policy is vital to all of Canada, and even more so for my province, Quebec, because it guarantees the stability of our agricultural sectors and the food security of our communities.

It is especially important to Quebec. That is exactly why I was proud to sponsor Bill C-282 and why I fully support Bill C-202.

Honourable colleagues, it is imperative that we respect the will of the elected House, recognize the work already done and completed in this chamber and act decisively to pass this bill without further delay.

By voting in favour of Bill C-202, we are sending a clear message that the Senate of Canada is listening to the people and to farmers and cares about protecting Canadians’ food security.