Thanks very much, Chair.
Thanks to the officials for being here.
I know this is a quick turnaround, but I think all of you understand how important this issue is. It's important to get a bit of an update, especially when we see the financial situation Canadian farmers are facing, with the numbers that were released last year.
Total farm operating expenses rose almost 3% to $78 billion in 2024, but for the second consecutive year, we saw interest expenses up 28.6% and producers taking on more debt. Farm debt rose 14% in 2024, which is the largest increase since 1981, so margins are already tight. When we have limited at-market prices for canola with these additional tariffs, that's making those margins even that much more difficult.
To Mr. Marier and Mr. Smith from Global Affairs, I know that on November 20 the former agriculture minister flew to China to address this matter. Can you tell me who the minister met with on the Chinese government side?