Good afternoon, everyone.
It's great to see all of you again. It's already getting dark here. I'm sure on the west coast it's still bright and sunny.
I shall call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number eight of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Pursuant to Standing Order 81(4) and the orders made on Monday, April 20, 2020 and Wednesday, September 30, 2020, the committee begins its study of the main estimates 2020-21: vote 1 under the Canadian Dairy Commission, vote 1 under the Canadian Grain Commission and votes 1, 5 and 10 under the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Today's meeting is being held in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House Order of September 23, 2020. Proceedings will be posted on the House of Commons website. For your information, the webcast will always show the person speaking, rather than the entire committee.
To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to outline a few rules to follow. Members and witnesses may speak in the official language of their choice. You have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of either the Floor, English or French. Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. This is a reminder that all comments by members and witnesses should be addressed through the Chair. When you are not speaking, your mic should be on mute, and this rule also applies to the Chair.
I would like to welcome our witnesses for the panels this afternoon.
We are honoured to have with us the Honourable Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau.
Welcome. Thank you for taking the time to join us this afternoon to talk about the estimates and answer questions from committee members.
With that, we shall start.
Minister Bibeau, I give you the floor for your opening remarks.