I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 29 of the Standing Committee on International Trade. Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of June 23, 2022. Members are therefore attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
I need to make a few comments for the benefit of witnesses and members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
With regard to interpretation, for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of 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 as best we can, and we appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard. Please also note that during the meeting, you are not permitted to take pictures in the room or screenshots on Zoom.
Should any technical challenges arise, please advise me. Please note that we may need to suspend for a few minutes, as we need to ensure that all members are able to participate fully.
Today, from AGT Food and Ingredients Inc., we have Murad Al-Katib, president and chief executive officer, by video conference. We also have Masoud Negad, chief operating officer for N. Tepperman Limited, and from Quorum Corporation, Mark Hemmes, president. Carmel Transport International Ltd. is unable to be with us today.
Welcome to you all. My apologies if my connection goes in and out.
We will start with opening remarks and then proceed with the rounds of questions.
Mr. Al-Katib, I invite you to make an opening statement of up to five minutes.