René Roy and Louis-Philippe Roy made statements and, with Stephen Heckbert and Tristan Deslauriers, answered questions.

At 11:59 a.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 12:16 p.m., the meeting resumed.

Kyle Larkin, Gilbert Lavoie and Dennis Laycraft made statements and, with Claire Citeau and Brenna Grant, answered questions.

Richard Bragdon gave notice of the following motion:

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), in light of the federal government’s decision to close multiple Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research centres and experimental farms, including the Lacombe Research and Development Centre in Alberta and the Nappan Experimental Farm in Nova Scotia, the committee undertake an emergency study to examine the government’s rationale and decision-making process, as well as the economic and research impacts, including job losses and effects on rural communities; that the study commence as soon as possible; that the committee hold up to four meetings or more as needed; and that the committee report its findings to the House.

Questioning of the witnesses resumed.

Sophie Chatel moved, — That Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee accepts the Finance committee’s invitation and consider the subject matter of Bill C-15, specifically clause 223, and forward any recommendations or suggested amendments to the Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance before Friday, February 27, 2026, that the committee invite the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food for one hour, on February 12th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by one hour with Justine Hendricks, President and Chief Executive Officer of Farm Credit Canada.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 9; NAYS: 0.

On motion of Steven Bonk, it was agreed, —

That, notwithstanding the usual practices of the committee concerning access to and distribution of documents,

1. up to three associate members of the committee per party be authorized to receive the notices of meetings and notices of motion and be granted access to the digital binder;
2. that the associate members be designated by the offices of the whips of each recognized party and sent to the committee clerk; and
3. that the provisions of this motion expire as of September 25, 2026, unless otherwise ordered.

It was agreed, — That, in relation to the study of Reference Prices in the Beef and Pork Supply Chains, the deadline for the submission of witness lists to the clerk be 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

On motion of Sophie Chatel, it was agreed, — That Sébastien Lemire be elected Second Vice-Chair of the committee.