I'd like to call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 32 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 remotely using the Zoom application.
Before we continue, I'd like to ask all in-person participants to consult the guidelines written on the cards on the table. These measures are in place to help prevent audio feedback incidents and to protect the health and safety of all participants, including our interpreters. You'll also notice a QR code on the card, which links to a short awareness video.
I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of witnesses and members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. 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, 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.
I remind you that 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 as best we can. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard. Thank you.
Before I jump to the witnesses, I'd like to welcome our two new members to the committee.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank all members of this committee. I think we've worked very well together on these issues. I just want to say thank you to all members, especially our folks on the left side here and, of course, on the right, for working together to champion these issues. Agriculture, as we know, represents a large percentage of our GDP. It employs many people across this county and has helped build this country.
I just want to say thank you for your hard work and dedication.
Yes, sir, go ahead.