This meeting is called to order.
Welcome to meeting number 47 of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri–Food.
I will begin with a few reminders.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. The proceedings are broadcast on the House of Commons website. Just so that you are aware, the webcast will always show the person speaking rather than the entire committee.
Taking screenshots or photos of your screen is not permitted.
Obviously, for our witnesses who are joining online, there is an opportunity to toggle between English and French. You'll see that at the bottom of your screen. Certainly for Mr. Thibault, who is here in person, if he requires it, we have translation available.
Thank you, translators, for your work.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by this committee on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, the committee is resuming its study of food price inflation. This is something we started before Christmas, colleagues, and we are looking forward to getting back to the topic.
I would like to welcome our witnesses for the first panel. From the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, we have Mr. Gary Sands, who serves as the senior vice-president. Mr. Sands, you're joining us online. Welcome.
From Metro Inc., we have François Thibault, who is the executive vice-president, chief financial officer and treasurer with the organization. Thank you, Mr. Thibault, for being here today in person.
From Save-On-Foods, we have Paul Cope, who is the senior vice-president of retail operations. I know we had some technical difficulties, but I think that has been resolved and we are good.
Monsieur Lehoux, go ahead.