Welcome to the fifth meeting of the 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.
The proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website. So you are aware, the webcast will always show the person speaking, rather than the entirety of the committee.
Colleagues, I think we've been at this long enough to know the rules and parameters. Of course, when you're in this room, abide by the public health guidelines of the Board of Internal Economy.
For our witnesses, for those who are online, you can toggle between English and French your language of choice and for interpretation. Of course, if there is a problem with translation, just signal me and we will work on it technically.
Colleagues, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by this committee on Monday, January 31, 2022, the committee is resuming its study of the agriculture and agri-food supply chain.
I'm going to welcome our witnesses to the panel, but just before I do that, I will remind colleagues that this is of course a big topic. We were talking off-line with some members about this; let's make sure that we try to stay within the boundaries of the text of the motion. It's ultimately the prerogative of members to ask questions in the direction they want, but I do want to make sure that we have a report that is befitting of the industry and the people we're seeking to represent. Let's try to be pointed and detailed so that we can have good recommendations to bring back to the government.
Today, joining us by teleconference, from the Canadian Meat Council, we have Marie-France MacKinnon, vice-president of public affairs and communications. Welcome.
From the Canadian Pork Council, we have Rick Bergmann, chair of the board of directors; and Gary Stordy, director of government and corporate affairs.
We are also hearing from David Duval, president of the Éleveurs de porcs du Québec.
You have five minutes each for opening remarks.
Ms. MacKinnon, I'm going to start with you, for five minutes, please.