Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm here today to describe the amendments to the Seeds Act proposed in Bill C-38, the Act to implement the budget.
First, I would like to say that these amendments will in no way reduce the effectiveness of Canada's food safety assurance system.
In general, the amendments would provide the legal authority to license private persons to carry out seed crop inspections in support of Canada's seed certification program. The amendments would also provide the legal authority for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency oversight of these persons. This would apply only to non-safety aspects of inspection. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will not use private persons to fulfill any of its safety-related functions.
I'm prepared to go through clause by clause, if you wish, Mr. Chair, or, as has been the practice, I can just pause there and take questions.