I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to the ninth meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on October 24, 2020, the committee is commencing its study on processing capacity.
Our witness panels will each last 45 minutes today, followed by 30 minutes of committee business at the end of the meeting.
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.
With that, we are ready to begin.
I would like to start by welcoming our witnesses for the first hour. We have, appearing as an individual, Mr. Sylvain Charlebois, professor, Dalhousie University, director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab.
From the University of Guelph, we have Mr. Malcolm Campbell, vice-president, research; and Rene Van Acker, dean, Ontario Agricultural College.
Welcome, everyone.
With that, we'll start with seven and a half minutes of opening statements.
Mr. Charlebois, if you're ready, you have the floor.