I'd like to call the meeting to order. We have quorum.
We've had some interruptions today with votes. Under no illusion that we're done with voting yet, if everyone agrees and we have quorum, we will just start into the meeting. Pursuant to Standing Order 81(4), we're considering the main estimates for 2015-16, votes 1, 5, and 10 under Agriculture and Agri-Food, vote 1 under Canadian Dairy Commission, and vote 1 under the Canadian Grain Commission, referred to the committee on February 24, 2015.
Colleagues, we have with us today and we welcome the Honourable Gerry Ritz, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Thank you, Minister, for being with us today.
What I want to do without any further ado is give the minister the opportunity for his opening comments. Then we will see what happens in terms of when the bells will ring.
Minister, your opening statement, please.