Thank you.
To our witnesses, for the benefit of time, what we're going to do, rather than split up the two panels, is have all of our witnesses in one panel, so you'll all be giving your opening statements together. Then we'll have two rounds of questions from the members of Parliament who are here.
That being said, I now call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 56 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.
I will start with a few reminders.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. The proceedings will be available via the House of Commons website. Just so you are aware, the webcast will always show the person speaking, not the entire committee. Taking screenshots or photos of your screen is not permitted.
Members and witnesses may speak in the official language of their choice. Translation is provided. If there is an interruption in the translation, I will stop you and we'll make sure it is corrected before you proceed.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. If you are on video conference, please click on the microphone icon to unmute yourself. Of course, those in the room will be unmuted by the proceedings and verification officer.
To our witnesses, especially those on video, please speak slowly and distinctly for the benefit of our interpreters. All comments and questions from the members will be through the chair.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses here for this meeting on food price inflation, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by this committee on October 5, 2022.
From Costco Wholesale Canada Limited, we have Pierre Riel, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Costco Wholesale Canada and International. Thank you very much for being here. From 1km Foods Incorporated, we have Paul Sawtell.