Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank each of our witnesses for being here today.
I just want to comment on the information that was provided to us, certainly from you, Mr. Sohmer, and you, Mr. Michel, on the work that you've done, on your expertise, and certainly on the extensive lecturing that you've done in many countries, which I think supports what I've come to understand: that this is a challenging issue and one that is a huge issue around the world, and that there is a will to address this issue.
Mr. Sohmer, earlier you made a reference to Canada's inability or lack of muscle to address the issue to the degree that a country like the United States can. But we know that Canada is one of 95 jurisdictions that have agreed to the international standard for exchange of information, including providing access to bank information, as well as having an extensive network of tax treaties, one of the largest in the world, with 87 tax treaties in force. Also, budget 2007 announced measures that would encourage TIEAs. I'm just wondering if you would be willing to comment on Canada's actions to date in terms of addressing this challenging issue.
I would open that up to any of you.