Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to echo the comments of all of my colleagues in thanking all of our witnesses today for helping guide our committee through this very important study.
Ms. Farrell and Mr. Graydon, I'd like to direct these questions to both of you.
Both of your organizations represent companies of a variety of sizes and strengths. Some are very large multinationals with a lot of market power of their own; others are small to medium-sized industries that are located in just one province or a region of a province.
Minister Champagne and Minister MacAulay both acknowledged that there was a need for greater competition and innovation in your sectors as well.
Mr. Graydon, I take your point. I think you said in your opening statement that in the last 15 years there has been a doubling of costs just to put items on store shelves. I have that comment in mind that it's become increasingly expensive for companies that you represent just to get their items listed, and then you have ministers asking for greater competition. Of course, some companies are better able to absorb the costs that retailers have put on them, while for others it's much more difficult.
We've heard repeated reference to this power imbalance. What have the challenges been in your sector in terms of encouraging greater competition, when, as you've mentioned, there are all these barriers to your companies' just getting items listed on store shelves?