Thank you, Mr. Forbes, Ms. Walker, and Dr. Komal for being here.
The main estimates for fiscal year 2019-20 have an 11.5% increase for the Canadian Grain Commission. Moreover, budget 2019 states that “The Canada Grain Act has not been substantially updated in decades, and its requirements are not aligned with current market realities.” It goes on to talk about a broad-based review of the act and of the operations of the Canadian Grain Commission.
I don't think we've got enough runway left in the 42nd Parliament for an amendment to the act. Could you inform this committee as to what AAFC has done with regard to a review of the commission and the act, and are there regulatory changes coming?
The reason I ask is that I know there are some people who want to see the Grain Commission changed, but there are also a number of farmers who like the role it has played and currently plays, so I'm wondering how you're taking those differing viewpoints into account.