I call the meeting to order. Good afternoon, colleagues.
Now that I've had a couple of months of experience, I think that if you begin your sound check with “She sells seashells down by the seashore”, you'll probably get the best result, because apparently the “s” sound is the most difficult.
Merry Christmas. Bonne année. We're all hoping for a better 2021.
I apologize. I ran into some colleagues, and apparently I'm the grinch who stole Christmas, because all the other committees have adjourned for today.
Let's have an efficient meeting and one where we will be collegial in the Christmas spirit.
We have a little business to clear up at the end of the meeting. I don't know if we'll need to go in camera, but we will if we need to. For now we're going to continue on with our two panels.
Our first witness is Simon Kennedy. He's the deputy minister for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Mr. Kennedy, I think you've already been informed that you have have up to seven minutes for your opening remarks. I think you know the drill. Then we will have questions and answers.
Please commence.