Welcome, everyone, to our meeting pursuant to Standing Order 108, the study of debt in the agriculture sector and its effects.
I want to welcome our guests here today.
I also want to welcome the Honourable Gerry Ritz, the former Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. It's good to have you here today.
We also welcome Alupa Clarke, who is replacing Mr. Gourde.
With us today from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada we have Tom Rosser, assistant deputy minister, strategic policy branch. We have also Kara Beckles, acting director general, research and analysis directorate, strategic policy branch.
From Farm Credit Canada we have Michael Hoffort, president and chief executive officer. We have Jean-Philippe Gervais, vice-president and chief agricultural economist with FCC.
Welcome, all of you.
We'll start with an opening statement of up to 10 minutes, and I believe, Mr. Rosser, you're going to lead the way.