Senator Gagné: Thank you.

I was raised on a farm, so I have a good idea of the challenges farmers face. I understand the complexities.

I was wondering, Senator Wells, if you are aware of the fact that Bill C-8 proposed and implemented a refundable tax credit for farm businesses operating in backstop jurisdictions starting in 2021-22.

There have been some concerns raised that with the adoption of this bill, Bill C-234, this would result in a double compensation of farmers that could result in further complexities, such as clawbacks. Therefore, I’m wondering whether you have any comments, and if you think the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance could lend its expertise or perspective on this matter.

Senator Wells: Thank you, Senator Gagné.

Of course, you can’t double-dip on a benefit, whether it is a rebate or an exemption. If you are rebating, you can’t be exempted. If you are exempted, you can’t get a rebate, and that is built into the system. That is a policy decision by the Canada Revenue Agency. That doesn’t need to come through legislation. The ability for them to do that — by directive of their minister — is already there.

I think it is up to the will of the chamber if this goes to committee, and if it does go to committee, where might it go? If it is a question of taxation, it may go to the National Finance Committee. If it is a question of something specific to farms, it may go to the Agriculture and Forestry Committee. I don’t know; I would leave that to the will of the chamber.

But for exemptions and rebates, it is one or the other, and I think that is well recognized.

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That, notwithstanding rule 3-1(1), when the Senate sits on Thursday, May 11, 2023, it sit at 1:30 p.m.

[English]

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Will Senator Wells take another question?

Senator Wells: Absolutely, Senator Gagné.