I call the meeting to order.
We still don't have everyone, but we're going to begin. A couple of our people and some witnesses as well are a little tight for time today, so I'm going to get right at it.
We are going to begin a discussion and a study of free trade between Canada and the European Union. These are ongoing discussions and even negotiations. We are pleased to begin today with an overview from Canadian participants in those negotiations, including the chief trade negotiator in the Canada-European Union file. That person is Steve Verheul, who is in Vancouver today.
Thank you for taking the time out. I know you're busy with meetings in Vancouver, and I appreciate the time you've taken today.
We also have David Plunkett at the table with us. He is also with DFAIT and is a trade negotiator in bilateral and regional relations. From the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food we have Gilles Gauthier, who is director general and chief agriculture negotiator. We're in good company today.
Our members are ready for questions, but I'd like to begin with opening statements. Because of the shortness of time and because we are a little late getting started, I'm going to ask Mr. Verheul to begin with an opening statement. Perhaps Mr. Plunkett would follow up with a statement as well. Then we'll get right to questions.
Mr. Verheul, how is your time? Have we got an hour?