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

Your subcommittee met on Thursday, February 5, 2026, to consider the business of the committee and agreed to make the following recommendations:

1. That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study to examine the importance of science, technology, and innovation in the agriculture and agri-food sector, including the impact 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, the Quebec Research and Development Centre located in Sainte-Foy, Quebec, and the Nappan Experimental Farm in Nova Scotia; that the study include at least four meetings and commence as soon as possible and that the committee report its findings to the House.

2. That, following the conclusion of the above mentioned study, the committee prioritizes the studies in the following order:

a) Business Risk Management programs in Canada’s agriculture sector, as outlined in the motion adopted by the committee on September 18, 2025, which reads as follows:

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of at least four meetings to update previous studies of this committee on Business Risk Management (BRM) programs in Canada’s agriculture sector, in full respect of the jurisdictions and autonomy of the provinces and territories, particularly in light of the long-term impacts of climate change, with the goal of enhancing their effectiveness, responsiveness, risk-mitigation capacity, and resilience in preparation for the next FPT Agreement negotiations; that the study should also consider regional realities, the needs of small and medium-sized farms, and the federal-provincial-territorial collaboration required to ensure the delivery of effective BRM programs. In addition, the study should explore options to modernize the FPT Agreement by:

I. incorporating more clearly defined policy outcomes (including regulatory reform, policy coherence, and timelines);

II. clarifying roles and responsibilities; and

III. encouraging regional investments to support large-scale projects, such as agrotechnology parks or regional cold storage and transportation hubs;

and that the study be finalized before June 2026;

b) Food affordability in Canada, as outlined in the motion adopted by the committee on December 8, 2025, which reads as follows:

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.

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

At 11:02 a.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 11:06 a.m., the meeting resumed in camera.

The committee proceeded to give drafting instructions to the analysts for a draft report.

At 11:22 a.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 11:58 a.m., the meeting resumed in public.

Lawrence Hanson made a statement and, with Andrew Goldstein and Alain Lagacé, answered questions.