I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 159 of the Standing Committee on Finance.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. All witnesses have completed the required connection tests in advance of the meeting.
I would now like to remind participants of the following points. Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. All comments should be addressed through the chair. Members, please raise your hand if you wish to speak, whether participating in person or via Zoom. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can.
Pursuant to Standing Order 83.1 and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, September 26, 2024, the committee is resuming its study on the pre-budget consultations in advance of the 2025 budget.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses.
With us today, from the University of Calgary's school of public policy, is president's fellow Dr. Jack Mintz. Welcome.
From Butler Mortgage Inc., we have Ron Butler, mortgage broker, who is no stranger here. Ron, welcome.
From Community Food Centres Canada, we have senior policy adviser Anthony Musiwa, who is with us via video conference.
From the Extended Healthcare Professionals Coalition, we have the chair, François Couillard. Welcome.
From the Front d’action populaire en réaménagement urbain, we have spokesperson Véronique Laflamme.
From the Toronto Biennial of Art, executive director Patrizia Libralato is with us. Welcome.
Each of the witnesses will have up to five minutes to provide their opening remarks before we move on to members' questions.
We are starting with Dr. Jack Mintz, please.