I call the meeting to order.
As witnesses know, just for the record, pursuant to Standing Order 83.1, we're dealing with pre-budget consultations in advance of the 2018 budget, and we have six panellists here.
Welcome. Thank you for coming. As well, I want to thank those—I think most of you—who have presented submissions prior to the mid-August deadline.
We we will start with the Canadian Construction Association, Mr. Atkinson.
I might say as well that if you can hold your comments to about five minutes, that would be helpful; then we have more time for questions from members.
Mr. Atkinson, the floor is yours.