Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank all participants. This morning, I will have learned something about the kind of socks to wear in northern Ontario. It is always pleasant to have a little fun at the start of a meeting on such weighty matters. That in no way diminishes the importance of what is done in the area of regional economic development. I would like to thank the presenters from the Canadian CED network.
My questions are for the representatives of the Green Budget Coalition and the Pembina Institute. Those two organizations need little introduction in Canada. Year after year, the Green Budget Coalition conducts work that is so thoughtful and devoid of even a hint of partisanship. Their budgets are full of common sense and inevitable conclusions.
I would first like to thank Mr. Turner who is not only the chair, but also a former member of the House of Commons. He is dedicated, and devoted, even, to that important work. He also works for Ducks Unlimited Canada, which I believe is one of the best organizations in Canada that helps protect wetlands, that are key to protecting water quality. We must protect them because they help to clean our waterways. They act as filters.
Welcome, Mr. Turner. You're proof that there is life after politics, even if we have to come back to politics from time to time. I would like to congratulate you on the work you do.
I have a question, or rather an invitation for Mr. Weis. I would like him to elaborate further on a complex topic. This is something that is well understood by stakeholders, but is not so obvious for the public. You did a good job in your presentation, but since your time was limited, I would like to give you a little more opportunity to expound on the issue.
You touched on the issue of green bonds. I would like you to give us a few more details. Given the current lack of capital, what would be the economic impacts of sustainable investments in our society, both in the long term for future generations and short term for us? I will give you some time to reflect on that. I find the issue too important to limit it to this very circumscribed meeting.