Good afternoon. I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 43 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'd like to remind participants of the following points. Please wait until I recognize you by name before you speak. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic. Please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
We have all virtual witnesses today. For those on Zoom, at the bottom of your screen you can select the appropriate channel for interpretation: floor audio, 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 83.1, the committee resumes its pre-budget consultations in advance of the 2026 budget.
I would like to now welcome our witnesses.
We have Frédéric Laurin, professor of economics at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières's school of management and researcher at the Institut de recherche sur les PME.
We also have Luc Godbout, professor of taxation and public finance at the Université de Sherbrooke.
From the Conseil du patronat du Québec, or Quebec employers' council, we have Michelle LLambías Meunier, president and chief executive officer, as well as Norma Kozhaya, vice-president of research and chief economist.
From the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, or Quebec federation of chambers of commerce, we have Mathieu Lavigne, vice-president, public and economic affairs, and Hubert Rioux, economic director.
Mr. Laurin, we will start with you, and you have five minutes for your opening remarks.