Welcome back, committee members. I hope you had an enjoyable summer.
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance is mandated by the House of Commons on an annual basis to consider and make reports upon proposals regarding the budgetary policies of the government this year. The theme of our consultations is Canada's place in a competitive world.
As Canada's economic future is in part characterized by rapid technological change and the emergence of new trading partners, the committee is looking to receive from Canadians their views respecting the means of ensuring a prosperous economy by adopting the latest technology, having the needed skills, seizing market opportunities, and making sure that tax regimes enable the attraction of workers and foreign investment in order to maximize our potential as a nation. The decision needs to be taken in the short term to ensure productivity in the long term.
The committee will be holding meetings here in Ottawa and will be visiting other centres across Canada, from Whitehorse to St. John's, Newfoundland. Over 400 witnesses will be heard from between now and the end of October. Groups and individuals will cover an incredible spectrum, as is reflected by our witnesses here today. The committee looks forward to this challenge and the work in front of us. We appreciate your presence here.
We will begin our presentations with a maximum time allocation of five minutes to each presenter so that we can allow time for exchange and questions thereafter. I will ask the representative from the Royal Canadian Legion to commence.
I believe it's Mr. Frost. Go ahead, please.