Good morning, colleagues. I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 35 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders.
Before we continue, I would ask all in-person participants to consult the guidelines written on the cards on the table. These measures are in place to help prevent audio and feedback incidents and to protect the health and safety of all participants, including the interpreters. You will also notice a QR code on the card, which links to a short awareness video.
I would like to remind participants of the following points. For those of you who are participating by video conference, please click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking. For those on Zoom, at the bottom of your screen you can select the appropriate channel for interpretation, either floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
This is a reminder that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, March 9, 2026, the committee will resume its study of household debt in Canada.
I would like to welcome our witnesses.
We welcome our witness, Mr. Philippe d'Astous, Associate Professor at HEC Montréal, appearing as an individual.
From Cardus, we have Brian Dijkema, president for Canada. From MNP LLP, we have Mr. Grant Bazian, president, and Ms. Sheri Aberback, senior vice-president.
All virtual witnesses have conducted a mandatory sound check, and now we will begin with opening remarks.
Mr. Astous, we will start with you. You have five minutes.