I call the meeting to order. Today's hearing begins the pre-budget consultations in advance of the 2017 budget.
With us today we have Mr. Saunderson, Mr. Meddings, and Mr. Dunford from the Department of Western Economic Diversification.
Welcome, folks.
Because I'm not sure whether or not we sent these questions to you, I would say just to start that the whole thrust of our pre-budget hearings is on economic growth. How do we achieve it? What federal actions would assist Canadian businesses in all regions and sectors meet the expansion, innovation, and prosperity goals, and therefore contribute to economic growth in the country? That's the bottom line of our theme. We invited all the regional development agencies in each province to come forward to talk in that context.
The floor is yours. I believe you were offered 10 minutes, so we'll have to give you the 10 minutes. Go ahead.