Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Thanks to all of our witnesses for coming forward today. It's very important testimony. We hope that you and your families continue to be safe and healthy through this pandemic as the third wave crashes on our shores.
I'd like to start with you, Mr. Macdonald. Thank you so much for your testimony today. You pointed out a number of things that should happen with overall revenue. You're not concerned about the deficit, but we all need to be concerned about the profoundly unequal tax system that we have. The government is refusing to put into place a wealth tax, though it worked in the Second World War; is refusing to put in place a pandemics profits tax, even though we know it's an effective measure that other countries are taking; and is refusing to take any meaningful action against overseas tax havens that the PBO tells us cost over $25 billion a year.
How important is it to have a fair tax system to actually put in place those measures so that we have the wherewithal and the resources to help so many people who are struggling now through the pandemic and in the rebuilding afterwards?