Resource Committee — Forestry and Agrifoods Agency Published under the authority of the Speaker of the House of Assembly Honourable Wade Verge, MHA RESOURCE COMMITTEE Forestry and Agrifoods Agency Chair: Eli Cross, MHA Members: Ray Hunter, MHA Nick McGrath, MHA Lorraine Michael, MHA Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA Tracey Perry, MHA Sam Slade, MHA Clerk of the Committee: Kimberley Hammond Appearing: Forestry and Agrifoods Agency Hon. Vaughn Granter, MHA, Minister Stephen Balsom, Assistant Deputy Minister, Forestry Services Keith Deering, Assistant Deputy Minister, Agrifoods Development James Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Forestry and Agrifoods Agency Clayton Forsey, MHA, Parliamentary Secretary Philip Ivimey, Departmental Controller Roger Scaplen, Director, Communications Rob Stead, Executive Assistant Also Present Calvin Peach, MHA Scott Reid, MHA Ivan Morgan, Researcher, NDP Office Ian Murphy, Researcher, Official Opposition Office May 26, 2015 RESOURCE COMMITTEE 147 Pursuant to Standing Order 68, Calvin Peach, MHA for Bellevue, substitutes for Nick McGrath, MHA for Labrador West. Pursuant to Standing Order 68, Scott Reid, MHA for St. George’s – Stephenville East, substitutes for Sam Slade, MHA for Carbonear – Harbour Grace. The Committee met at 9:02 a.m. in the Assembly Chamber. CHAIR (Cross): Good morning, everyone. MR. GRANTER: Morning. CHAIR: I think everybody has gathered, Minister – all your officials are here. Welcome to the Estimates for Forestry and Agrifoods. A couple of reminders or housekeeping chores before we start: Mr. Peach is in for Mr. McGrath this morning, and Mr. Reid is filling in for Mr. Slade. I need a motion for the minutes of the last meeting. MR. MITCHELMORE: Moved. CHAIR: Moved by Mr. Mitchelmore; seconded by Ms Perry. All those in favour, ‘aye.’ SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye. Carried. On motion, minutes adopted as circulated. CHAIR: Okay, routines for today, we give the minister fifteen minutes to start with an opening statement, if he wishes, t