I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 44 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. Pursuant to the order of reference of May 10, 2022, the committee is meeting on Bill C-19, an act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 7, 2022 and other measures.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format pursuant to the House order of November 25, 2021. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely, using the Zoom application. Per the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on March 10, 2022, all those attending the meeting in person must wear a mask, except for members who are at their place during proceedings.
I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and members. Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your microphone and please mute it when you are not speaking.
For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of the floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I would remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can, and we appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.
I would now like to welcome today's witnesses. Please note that today's witnesses are here to speak about part 5 of the BIA.
I will welcome today's witnesses. As an individual, we have James Hinton, intellectual property and innovation expert from Own Innovation. From Canada's Building Trades Unions, we have Sean Strickland, executive director, and Rita Rahmati, government relations specialist. From Canadians for Tax Fairness, we have D.T. Cochrane, economist. From Cider Canada, we have Barry Rooke, executive director, and from Imagine Canada, we have Bruce MacDonald, president and chief executive officer.
We'll now begin with Mr. Hinton from Own Innovation for his opening remarks of up to five minutes, please.