I would like to welcome everyone here.
Mr. MacGregor, I would like to thank you for your motion that speaks to a very important issue in my eyes. That said, I have a few questions about the wording.
A little while ago, I gave our clerk a draft document that contains some amendments. I propose that a copy of this document be sent to committee members and that we look at it together once everybody has received it. In the meantime, I would like to get my colleagues' opinion on a certain issue.
Inflation is obviously a big concern, and grocery store prices are climbing faster than inflation in general. We have all noticed that something is going on, and I think the issue merits study.
But if there were to be a study on the retail trade and its operations, as well as profit margins, such as what is suggested here, shouldn't that work be done by the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology?
I am not against the proposed study. Indeed, I have come up with some amendments that will guarantee my support. However, I am just wondering if it really falls to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food to look at the issue of grocery store prices.
This is a very technical issue, and I am not sure if we would be able to get answers from public servants.
Do you wish to answer now or would you rather that I continue to talk about my proposed changes?