Welcome to meeting number 72 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, June 20, 2022, the committee is meeting to discuss the current state of fiscal federalism in Canada.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of June 23, 2022. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely by using the Zoom application.
I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of 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 mike and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of either THE floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I 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 used the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.
I'd now like to welcome our witnesses. I wish to inform all members that that all witnesses have been tested for today's meeting and have passed the test.
With us today as an individual, we have Daniel Béland, the director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada and the James McGill Professor in the department of political science at McGill University. Welcome.
As an individual, we have Lee Soderstrom, a retired professor from McGill University. Welcome, Lee Soderstrom.
From the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer, we have the Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux. With him is Robert Behrend, an adviser-analyst. Welcome.
Witnesses, you now have up to five minutes to make your opening remarks.
We're going to start in the order I introduced you, beginning with Daniel Béland, please.