Agriculture committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, and thanks to the witnesses who are with us here today. Mr. Wilson, you were pretty clear that you weren't consulted. I found it interesting that one of the main issues that we brought up was from first nations and Métis communities, who were also not consulted at all.

Agriculture committee  I know it's probably difficult to narrow it down, but what would be the impact on your livelihood and your business—financially or morally with your family—if this legislation were to pass?

Agriculture committee  Horses transported for slaughter are in conditions far worse than the conditions of other horses, such as those exported for sport or breeding. Is that true or false?

Agriculture committee  Thank you. I know it's not easy to go through that. My next question is for Ms. Woods. Thank you very much for bringing your expertise here today. We've heard a lot of testimony from other groups, but in your estimation, as one of the global experts on this issue, who should we believe when it comes to animal welfare in what is currently being done in Canada with the live horse transport to Japan?

Agriculture committee  We've had a lot of claims from some of the witnesses. I'm going to throw these by you, and just give me a quick “true or false” answer so I can get through these as quickly as I can in the time available. One of the claims is that there is clear, scientific evidence for a ban on the export of live horses for slaughter.

Agriculture committee  There's clear and compelling scientific evidence showing that horses exported from Canada for slaughter overseas experience significant physical and psychological suffering due to the duration and conditions of transport. Is that true or false?

Agriculture committee  Canada's animal transportation standards are among the worst in the western world. Is that true or false?

Agriculture committee  You commented on the term “cramped”, so I appreciate that. In my last 30 seconds, I wanted to ask a question to Dr. Samson-French. In a 2021 interview with CTV, you were asked whether or not there's a humane way to transport live horses to Japan by air, and you said absolutely, it can be done.

Agriculture committee  We can do it safely, then. We just need to change the regulations, not ban it. Thank you.

Agriculture committee  Thanks, Chair, and thanks to the witnesses for being here. My first question would be for Witness 1. Thank you very much for your testimony. You mentioned the lack of consultation. Were you consulted at all about the legislation that is before us today?

Agriculture committee  Thank you. You mentioned in your comment the lack of knowledge of this industry and its impact on first nations and Métis communities specifically. We had a comment from one of our colleagues, who said, “I would object to referring to the Métis traditions and cultures as though somehow this is consistent with indigenous culture and traditions.”

Agriculture committee  That's time, Ms. Taylor Roy. Thank you very much to our witnesses. I'll just end it here, colleagues. We'll see everybody after the break. The meeting is adjourned.

Agriculture committee  Thank you, Ms. McLearon. Ms. Taylor Roy, we're going to you for five minutes. I want to let you know that we're voting in about two and a half minutes. If everybody is okay, we'll let Ms. Taylor Roy finish her five minutes, and then we'll vote after that. That will get us close to one o'clock.

Agriculture committee  Thank you, Ms. McLearon and Mr. MacGregor. Ms. Rood, you have five minutes, please.

Agriculture committee  Thank you. Mr. MacGregor, you have six minutes, please.