I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 42—which is the answer to life, the universe and everything, if people know—of the House of Commons Special Committee on the Canada-People's Republic of China Relationship.
Pursuant to the order of reference of May 16, 2022, the committee is meeting on its study of Canada-People's Republic of China relations.
Before we begin, I would like to remind all members and other in-person participants to consult the cards on the table for guidelines. We need to prevent audio feedback incidents because that has been very injurious to some of our translators. We have had a few very serious incidents, in fact.
Only use the approved black earpiece. Keep it away from the microphone. By putting it on the little decal on the desk, it's a good distance away. When you're not using your earpiece, just put it face down and, as I say, far away from the microphone. We thank you for your co-operation there.
Today's meeting is taking place in the hybrid format. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, you can click on the microphone icon to activate your mic and mute yourself when you're not speaking. For interpretation for those on Zoom, of course, you have the little globe at the bottom of your screen that you can use to select the language of your choice. For those in the room, of course, use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I'll 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, especially for our witnesses who may have something to add to a particular answer or a reflection. Just raise your hand and we will do our best to recognize you as quickly as possible.
With that, I would like to welcome Mr. Majumdar, who is sitting in for Tom Kmiec, and Mr. Kurek, who is now, I think, a permanent member of the committee. Ms. McPherson has opted—under no duress at all—to be here virtually. We have other people here virtually as well. It's good to have you all here.
Let's welcome our witnesses for today's first panel. From the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, we have Michael Harvey, executive director. From the Canadian Canola Growers Association, we have Dave Carey, vice-president, government and industry relations. From the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, we have Jeff Kucharski, senior fellow, by video conference. From Soy Canada, we have Brian Innes, executive director.
We normally provide five minutes for opening statements, but we will ask you to keep tight to time because there are quite a number of statements to be made. We want to leave lots of time for questions.
Who would like to start?
Shall we start with you, Mr. Harvey, for five minutes or less?