For the purposes of formality and proper procedure, I'll call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 21 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. Pursuant to the order of reference of Tuesday, March 24, the committee is meeting on the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before we start, I want to inform members that pursuant to this order of reference, the committee is meeting for two reasons. One is for the purpose of receiving evidence concerning matters related to COVID-19 and the other is to consider the biweekly report by the Minister of Finance, which we will get next week again.
Today's meeting is taking place by video conference and proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website. Just so you are aware, the website will always show the person speaking rather than the entirety of the committee, and that goes for the witnesses as well.
We went through most of the procedures for participating, so mute your microphone when you're not speaking, if you can, and speak as slowly and as clearly as possible. That will make it easier for the interpreters to hear you and then translate into the second language.
I'll start with the witnesses now.
I would ask witnesses to try to keep their comments to about five minutes if they can. We will then be able to have a good series of questions.
Starting with Javaroma Gourmet Coffee and Tea, we have Rami Kassem, president.
Mr. Kassem, go ahead, please.