I call this meeting to order. This is meeting number 33 of the Standing Committee on Finance, orders of the day pursuant to the order of reference of Tuesday, April 8, 2014, continuing our study of Bill C-31, an act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on February 11, 2014 and other measures.
I want to welcome our guests to the committee this afternoon. For the first panel of discussion on this bill we have, presenting as individuals, Mr. Stéphane Eljarrat. Welcome.
We have Mr. Mark Tonkovich, associate with Baker and McKenzie LLP. Welcome.
From the Association of Canadian Academic Healthcare Organizations and Canadian Healthcare Association, we have Ms. Beatrice Keleher Raffoul, welcome. She is vice-president for public affairs.
We have from the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, Ms. Carole Presseault, vice-president. I understand this will be her last appearance before our committee in this capacity today. Welcome back to the committee.
We have the president of the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada, Mr. Harry Blackmore. Welcome to you, sir.
You will each have five minutes, maximum, for your opening statements, and we will then go to questions from members.
We'll begin with Mr. Eljarrat, please.