Thank you, Lucy, Lorne, and Janice, for coming and speaking to us today.
We've listened to these arguments for quite some time now, both in these discussions as well as in discussing Bill C-474. I've come to the conclusion that there are two different solitudes, and based on the information that I've had, these solitudes can co-exist if people have the will to sit down and discuss common ground and those matters that are of deepest concern.
Lucy, you mentioned the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee. When I think of that, I think it is really the only kind of forum in which solutions could be found. I don't see Health Canada or CFIA, or any other organization having regard to social, economic, or environmental impact or species extinction issues as you've raised it. I frankly don't know the extent to which the biotech industry considers those things. But if we're looking at sustainability, it goes a lot further than just reducing emissions of GHGs.
I also know that science is so important. We need that science, so that we can feed the world with the growing three billion people over the next 20 or 30 years and deal with climate change.
I want to restrict my question to each of you, and I want your opinion on the merits of reconstituting a Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee, so that all industry stakeholders come together, come up with solutions, and make recommendations to the government. Could I hear each of the three of you speak on that matter?
Lucy, you can go first.