I am particularly excited about our e-procurement initiative, and certainly it will be a foundational part of our overall modernization of procurement for the Government of Canada.
As you all know, you've studied it, our procurement processes can be clunky; they can be waterfall and they can tend to lack innovation. We want to move to a world-class system that draws on best practices around the world; that allows for innovation; that allows for better and easier access; and that's not so burdensome, particularly on our SMEs. We don't need people spending all their time filling out applications; we need them growing their businesses. We are removing any unnecessary barriers that we are imposing as a government, while respecting of course that we have to adhere to principles of transparency and accountability. E-procurement will form a big part of this particular initiative, the idea being that right now we have this incredibly burdensome paper process. We are moving to a process whereby businesses can apply online for contracts; submit their applications, their bids, what have you, for contracts with the Government of Canada. We need to make sure that this is accessible; that this doesn't preclude companies and businesses—especially small businesses—from applying. We see this as a foundational tool toward our vision of a modern, agile procurement process for the Government of Canada.
Michael or Marie?