Welcome to this meeting of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), we are studying the role of food inspection agencies in the context of free trade agreements.
With that, I'd like to certainly welcome our guests today. From the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, we have Mr. Fred Gorrell, assistant deputy minister, international affairs branch, Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food. From the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food, we have Frédéric Seppey, assistant deputy minister, market and industry services branch. Also, from Global Affairs Canada, we have Jay Allen, director, sanitary and phytosanitary division; and Mr. Michael Wylie, deputy director, sanitary and phytosanitary measures. Welcome.
We shall start with a statement. I understand, Mr. Seppey, that.... Sorry, Mr. Gorrell, you will be giving the opening statement.