Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. The government, first of all, shares the pride of our P.E.I. potato producers’ long history of producing the best, highest quality potatoes in the world for Canadians and international consumers. We know the issue to which you refer has touched the lives of many Islanders, from multi-generational family farms to packers, shippers and many others.

I understand that, while additional potato wart detections are possible, the risk of spread is heavily mitigated by science-based measures, including those in the Potato Wart Domestic Long Term Management Plan and the potato wart Ministerial Order. This is an important industry for all of Canada’s economy, and the government has provided significant support to help farmers through this difficult period, including about $28 million for the Surplus Potato Management Response plan to support potato producers during these trade disruptions. The government will continue to work with potato farmers to alleviate the burden that they still face.

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Senator Gold, potato farmers in Prince Edward Island are still reeling from the impacts of the export ban on P.E.I. potatoes, which forced them to destroy some 250 million pounds of potatoes and is estimated to have cost the industry more than $50 million. While shipments to our southern neighbour have resumed as of April, farmers in P.E.I. are concerned that the damage is done, with the loss of long-term customers in the United States. Andrew Smith, a farmer in Newton, is quoted in a recent CTV article saying:

We lost that business and it’s gone, and I would expect it’s gone to an American grower who doesn’t have to deal with protectionism at the border.

As it currently stands, there is still a ban on seed potatoes, which comprises roughly 10% of the Island’s annual output, pending the outcome of a more thorough review by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that could take years to complete, Senator Gold.

Leader, I think our farmers have been patient enough. When will you finally give the farmers in Prince Edward Island an immediate plan with actionable steps to ensure the restoration of full market access?