Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would like to begin with Mr. Atkinson. I couldn't agree with you more about your comments concerning the importance of investing in infrastructure and how sound infrastructure investment boosts Canada's productivity. Just yesterday at this committee, we had the representative of the Toronto Board of Trade, who talked about a $6-billion drag on that region's economy specifically because of the lack of transit infrastructure.
I'd like to hear you speak a little more about the Building Canada fund. I know that you're asking for that to be renewed in this budget. You'll be happy to know that the Toronto Board of Trade also called for the indexation of the gas tax. I would like you to elaborate on that. I'm someone who is a big transit fan, and I'd like to hear you speak a bit more about the impact on jobs and the impact on the productivity of our economy.