Good morning, everyone. Welcome to meeting number 86 of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Orders of the day are pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), a study of the subject matter of the supplementary estimates (A) 2013–14 under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
I will advise our colleagues that this is being televised, so I would ask that you be on your best behaviour.
Joining us today, as he has many times in the past, is the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board.
I'll advise committee members that there is the potential for the bells to ring again. At that point, because we are in the same facility, I'll ask the committee if we are prepared to extend that 30-minute bell for us by 15 minutes so that we can finish hearing the minister's remarks.
Minister, welcome, and please proceed.