I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 15 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room, and I believe we may have some folks online.
Before we continue, I'd like to ask all in-person participants to consult the guidelines written on the back of the cards on the table. These measures are in place to prevent audio feedback incidents and protect the health and safety of all participants, including our interpreters. You'll also notice a QR code on the cards, which links to a short awareness video.
I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of our witnesses and members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking or until you are asked a question directly by a member. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
For those on Zoom, at the bottom of your screen you can select the appropriate channel for interpretation: floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
As a reminder, all comments should be addressed through the chair.
For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order to the best of our ability, and we appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, September 18, the committee is resuming its study on the update on the implementation of the grocery code of conduct.
I'd like to welcome our guests who are joining us here today.
From Costco Wholesale Canada Limited, we have Pietro Nenci, senior vice-president of Canada merchandising. From Empire Company Limited, we have Rob Allsop. From Wal-Mart Canada Corp., we have Rhonda Maines-Corrado, who is the senior vice-president.
Thank you for joining us here today. We appreciate you for taking time from your busy schedule.
Everyone will have five minutes, and then we'll go to our first round of questions. We'll start in here, with our witness who's in the room.
Mr. Nenci, you have five minutes.