John Barlow made a statement and answered questions.

At 9:08 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 9:13 a.m., the sitting resumed.

Pierre Lampron, Megz Reynolds and Paul Doyon made statements and, with Brodie Berrigan and Annie Tessier, answered questions.

The Chair presented the Fifth Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, which read as follows:

Your subcommittee met on Monday, September 18, 2023, to consider the business of the committee and agreed to make the following recommendations:

1. That, pursuant to the motion adopted on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, consideration of draft report for the study of environmental contribution of agriculture be the first thing on the agenda;

2. That one additional meeting be held to hear witnesses on the study of animal biosecurity preparedness;

3. That, pursuant to the order of reference of Wednesday, June 21, 2023, the committee undertake consideration of Bill C-275, An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act (biosecurity on farms); that the committee hold a minimum of two meetings to hear witnesses before clause-by-clause consideration and that amendments be sent to the clerk of the committee before 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 11, 2023;

4. That, pursuant to the motion adopted on Monday, April 17, 2023, the committee undertake the study of the agricultural aspects of the Indo-Pacific Strategy as the next thing on the agenda after the studies of environmental contribution of agriculture, animal biosecurity preparedness and Bill C-275, An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act (biosecurity on farms) are completed;

5. That the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food be invited to appear regarding their new portfolio and mandate before the winter adjournment; and

6. That the Chair, in collaboration with the clerk and the analysts, schedule the committee meetings accordingly.

It was agreed, — That the Fifth Report from the subcommittee be concurred in.