Okay, everyone. We're going to get started. I'd just like to inform all members of the committee that the witnesses who are here in the room virtually or in person have had the opportunity to have their technical test and their language functioning training.
I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to the second meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House Order of November 25, 2021. Members are attending in person, in the room, and remotely using the Zoom application.
Regarding the speaking list, the committee clerk and I will do the best we can to maintain a consolidated order of speaking for all members, whether participating virtually or in person.
To those who are in the room, I would ask that you abide by the health principles that are being enforced by the Board of Internal Economy.
We're here pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on December 16. The committee is commencing its study on the interim suspension of certification of all potatoes from P.E.I. to the United States.
I just want to take the opportunity.... I know we have a couple of members who are joining here who are not regular members.
Mr. Calkins is here on behalf of Mr. Steinley. Welcome, Mr. Calkins.
Mr. Morrissey is here on behalf of Ms. Taylor Roy. Welcome, Mr. Morrissey.
Mr. MacDonald, I know you are going to be participating in the meeting, so welcome to you.
Our witnesses from CFIA are Ms. Siddika Mithani, who is the president; Ms. Sylvie Lapointe, who serves as the VP of the policy and programs branch; and Mr. David Bailey, who is an acting executive director in the policy and programs branch.
Our representatives from the Government of Prince Edward Island are Deputy Minister Brian Matheson and Carolyn Sanford, who serves as the director of animal health, regulatory and analytical laboratories.
Welcome to all of our guests.
We are going to get started. I remind everyone to silence their microphone when they're not speaking. We're going to get started with five-minute opening statements, first from CFIA by Ms. Mithani, followed by Mr. Matheson.
I will turn it over to you, Ms. Mithani.