Thanks, Mr. Chair.
Thanks to all of you. I know that in my previous time on the agriculture committee in the last Parliament I had a chance to meet with you and talk with all of you, but it's been a little while. It's nice to see you all again, and I appreciate you being here tonight—well into the evening—to share your thoughts and views with us. They're important to us, and we appreciate you being here to share them.
I have a couple of questions, and I'll start with you, Mr. White.
As I said to the earlier panel, I think many farmers—and I certainly agree—would see this as another step in the modernization of our grain system, especially in western Canada. Obviously, last year, with the changes to the Canadian Wheat Board introducing voluntary marketing and giving farmers that choice, that marketing freedom in terms of where they'll market their grain, whether it be through the Wheat Board or otherwise, that was a very big first step. I know that for farmers in my area that was something they were seeking for many years, and they are very excited about the opportunities they now have as a result of that.
I think this is the next step in that modernization process. I know, Mr. White, you've indicated that you'd like to see further changes, further streamlining of the Canadian Grain Commission, and that's appreciated. I think there will probably be opportunities to hear more about that at some point as well.
Obviously, we're here tonight to talk about the changes that are being made in Bill C-45. I noted that in a recent press release you called it a good first step in updating an organization that has not seen any significant changes in over 25 years, so you obviously tend to agree with me that this is a good step.
I would like to hear a little bit more from you in terms of what you see as long-term benefits for the industry in these changes that are being made here. Could you elaborate a bit on your reasons for saying it's a good step, and what you see as some of the long-term benefits for the industry as a result?