We'll continue with our deliberations. The Standing Committee on Finance is mandated by the House of Commons on an annual basis to consider and make reports about proposals regarding the budgetary policies of the government. This year's theme for our pre-budget consultations is Canada's place in a competitive world.
Welcome to our guests. We have asked you to prepare presentations that are five minutes maximum in duration. I'll emphasize that at this point so I won't have to emphasize it later. I will give you an indication that you have a minute or less remaining, if you choose to look for that visual cue. We'll encourage time for questions after your presentations, of course. Again, I thank you for the time you've taken to be with us today. The committee is looking forward to your presentations.
We will begin with a presentation from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
Welcome, Catherine Swift and Garth Whyte. Please proceed. This five minutes is yours.