Thank you, Chair, and thanks to our witnesses for being here today.
Mr. Pruden, you've seen the collective bargaining process first-hand, both in the private and public sector, so I think you're qualified to comment on how this process can sometimes be very inefficient and time consuming. Measures in Bill C-4 streamline the collective bargaining process. For example, negotiations will now start exactly one year before the expiry of the current agreement and arbitration boards and public interest commissions will now be able to take into account an employee's overall benefit package when determining fair compensation.
Do you agree with changes like these that not only streamline the process but also bring them into line with the private sector and provincial government practices?