I call to order this 109th meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance.
Our orders today, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), include the subject matter of Bill C-48. I'll just remind colleagues this is a pre-study of the bill, as this bill has not yet been referred to this committee. Bill C-48 is an act to amend the Income Tax Act, the Excise Tax Act, the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act, the First Nations Goods and Services Tax Act, and related legislation.
We're very pleased to have with us here today three witnesses. A fourth witness will be joining us; I understand his plane has delayed him somewhat.
We have Mr. Michael Vineberg. Welcome to the committee this morning.
From the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, we have Ms. Carole Presseault, vice-president. Welcome.
And we have, from Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt LLP, Mr. Andrew Kingissepp, partner.
Welcome to all of you. You each have five minutes for an opening statement.
We'll start with Mr. Vineberg and then move down the list.