Ladies and gentlemen, we'll get going now. First, I'd like to welcome all of our panellists.
I have a couple of brief words of introduction to make before we start the proceedings. As I'm sure all of you gentlemen are aware, the minister responsible for Canada Post, the hon. Judy Foote, has initiated a very extensive consultation process on the future of Canada Post.
Phase one of that consultation process was to appoint a task force whose mandate was to examine the financial viability and sustainability of Canada Post. The task force has completed its work and submitted its report, and we have had an opportunity to speak with task force members.
Phase two of the consultation process is a cross-Canada tour during which we speak with individuals, organizations, and municipalities, both large and small, both rural and urban, both remote and on first nations to get an idea from individuals across Canada of their views regarding the future of Canada Post and, more importantly, to try to get their recommendations on the future of Canada Post. That's why we are here today.
The procedure we will follow in the meeting this morning is very simple. We're going to ask all of you to open with a very brief opening statement of no more than five minutes. If you care to look up the odd time during your presentation, when it gets to the four minute mark, I will give you a one-more-minute signal. We'll try to see if we can get you completed on time.
If you are not able to complete your five-minute statement, don't worry. Our experience has been that the question and answer period is when the information is transferred. I'm sure that all of the information that you wish to give to our committee members will be taken care of during the Qs & As.
With that brief introduction, we'll start. I have a list.
Monsieur Cusson, we have you first on the list, sir. You have five minutes. The floor is yours.