Good morning, colleagues. We'll call this meeting to order.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, October 24, 2024, the committee is commencing its study on issues and opportunities related to railways and agriculture.
As you know, colleagues, we have five different witnesses. We've decided to collapse them all into one panel. We'll be going for about an hour and a half today, and we'll get right to it.
First, from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, we have here in the room Drew Spoelstra, president, and Jason Bent, director of policy research. Gentlemen, thank you so much for your work, and welcome to the committee.
From Pulse Canada, we have Terry Youzwa, who is the chair. It's great to see you in the room as well.
From the Union des producteurs agricoles, we have Stéphanie Levasseur, second general vice-president, in person, and David Tougas, coordinator, economics and trade, by video conference.
Welcome to you both.
Last but not least, from the Western Grain Elevator Association, we have Wade Sobkowich, executive director, joining us by video conference.
Colleagues, you know the drill: We're going to start with five-minute opening remarks from each witness, and then we'll get into questions. I expect we should be able to do about two full rounds, with three rounds for the Conservatives, three for the Liberals and two for the NDP and the Bloc.
I'd also like to recognize Ms. Sidhu, who is joining the committee. It's great to have you here.
Welcome to Mr. Boulerice, filling in for Mr. Cannings.
Finally, I'd like to welcome Mr. Epp, who's replacing Mr. Lehoux.
Okay. Let's move forward. We're going to start with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.
Mr. Spoelstra, you have up to five minutes. It's over to you.