If we could come to order, first, on behalf of the committee, my apologies to the witnesses. We had an informal meeting with the Finnish finance committee, and we went a little longer than we thought we would. My apologies for having you stand around outside for a while.
In this session, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee will do a study of tax planning using private corporations. This will be contributions to the Department of Finance's consultations.
Just to inform you, because the consultations end on October 2, it was decided that we would do hearings with 24 witnesses, I believe it is, and the minister. The minutes, the submissions, and everything you present to us today will be forwarded to the Department of Finance and the minister, without recommendations from this committee. It's to add to the process of consultations.
I thank those who were able to submit briefs. They are on members' iPads. I thank each and every one of you for the fairly quick—super-quick—notice that you've had to prepare and come before the committee.
To start, if we could hold the opening statements to about five minutes, it would be helpful.
Starting with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, we have Mr. Bonnett, who is the president, and Mr. Ross, who is the director of business risk management and farm policy.
Ron, the floor is yours.