The FPCC’s responsibilities, as defined in the FPAA, are to:
- advise the Minister on all matters relating to the establishment and operations of agencies under the FPAA with a view to maintaining and promoting efficient and competitive industries;
- review the agencies operations with a view to ensuring that they carry them on according to their objects;
- approve quota regulations and levies orders, licensing regulations and certain by-law provisions;
- work with agencies in promoting more effective marketing of farm products;
- collaborate and maintain relationships with supervisory boards and the governments of all provinces and territories in matters related to the operations of the national agencies, as well as when new agencies are proposed;
- investigate and take action, within its powers on any complaints related to national agency decisions; and,
- hold public hearings when necessary, such as when new agencies are proposed.
The FPCC is also responsible to ensure that the national agencies meet the requirements of the Statutory Instruments Act (SIA). In addition, the FPCC has also been charged with administering the Agricultural Products Marketing Act (APMA) on behalf of Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada (AAFC). The APMA allows the federal government to delegate its authorities over interprovincial and export trade to provincial commodity boards on a wide range of farm products.
The FPCC Chairman also works closely with heads of provincial supervisory boards across the country, participating in their coordinating body, the National Association of Agri-Food Supervisory Agencies, making presentations at provincial meetings and engaging provincial government counterparts in advancing the supply managed sectors and their issues.
Beyond these responsibilities, the Chairman is also responsible for the administration of the FPCC, as Deputy Head of this public interest oversight body, operating within the federal government. As such, FPCC’s Chairman in guided by a set of governmental statutes, policies and procedures that must be followed. The Chairman ensures due process in all of the FPCC’s operational activities and maintains relationships with several key government departments and central agencies, such as the Treasury Board Secretariat, the Privy Council Office, Justice Canada, the Office of the Auditor General, and the Public Service Commission.
Within this framework, every year, the Minister of AAFC provides a written mandate to the FPCC Chairman which directs the work to be done and his expectations for Council.
In carrying out its responsibilities, FPCC words through its Chairman, Council members and FPCC staff, on its oversight role of national agencies, complaints and public hearings. The Chairman and staff also maintain relationships with federal and provincial bodies as well as ensuring that the FPCC meets the requirements of federal government matters. Ultimately, FPCC is accountable to the Minister, Parliament and Canadians.
