The Minister made a statement and, with Lawrence Hanson answered questions.

At 4:42 p.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 4:50 p.m., the meeting resumed in camera.

The committee commenced consideration of a draft report.

It was agreed, — That the draft report, as amended, be adopted.

It was agreed, — That the report be entitled: "Protecting Canada's poultry industry: for a better control of spent fowl imports into Canada".

It was agreed, — That the Chair, clerk and analysts be authorized to make such grammatical and editorial changes as may be necessary without changing the substance of the report.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee request that the government table a comprehensive response to the report.

ORDERED, — That the Chair present the report to the House.

Given that:

(a) based on Statistics Canada's latest release of the 2023 survey of household spending, the average Canadian household now spends about 40% more on food than in 2015. For a family of four, Canada's food price report projects annual food costs will reach about $17,500 in 2026, roughly 75% higher than a decade ago;

(b) over 80% of Canadians say food is their top expense pressure;

(c) nearly 85% of Canadians reported that their household food expenses have increased in the past 12 months;

(d) food bank use has more than doubled to almost 2.2 million monthly visits;

(e) the average family of four is expected to pay almost $1,000 more for food next year; and

(f) as of October 2025, grocery prices in Canada were up 3.4% year over year, compared to roughly 3.1% of the United States;

It was agreed, — That pursuant to section 108(2) of the Standing Orders, the committee undertake a study of food affordability in Canada and report its findings to the House.