Thank you to all of our witnesses for being here today.
Before I start, I would like to move a motion having to do with committee business.
Mr. Chair, I'd like to serve notice of motion at this time that we intend to bring forward a motion that the Special Committee on Cooperatives invite the Minister of Agriculture to appear before the committee before August 30, 2012.
The clerk will be receiving an email shortly, in both official languages, with that motion, to be discussed later.
Once again, thank you for being with us. I have a number of questions, and I will start with you, Mr. Brun. You will be hosting the summit, which will get under way on October 7, 2012. Could you briefly explain why you decided to take on that role?