I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 14 of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, January 31, 2022, the committee is meeting to study the state of Canada's supply chain.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of Thursday, November 25, 2021. Members are attending in person and remotely using the Zoom application.
Per the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on March 10, 2022, all those attending the meeting in person must wear a mask, except for members who are at their places during proceedings.
I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and members before we begin.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of floor audio, 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 your “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.
Colleagues, appearing before the committee today, we have Monsieur Serge Buy, chief executive officer of the Canadian Ferry Association; from the Chamber of Shipping, Robert Lewis-Manning, president; from Food and Beverage Canada, Ms. Kathleen Sullivan, chief executive officer; from the Institut de recherche en économie contemporaine, Hubert Rioux, researcher; from Sysco Canada, Randy White, president; and, from Walmart Canada, joining us in the hall today we have John Bayliss, executive vice-president and transformation officer, as well as Francis Lalonde, vice-president, transportation.
We will now begin with opening remarks from Walmart Canada.
Gentlemen, the floor is yours. You have five minutes.