Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The journey began back in 2018 when we started a continual process of gathering more information and testing for improvements in relation to supplier diversity. This is one of the cornerstones of the supplier diversity action plan.
As you've indicated, since that time we've taken significant steps in establishing the social procurement policy and we are working towards establishing a social procurement program that will further allow us to implement the measures that we're looking at with respect to leveraging procurement for the benefit of all Canadians and for increasing supplier diversity in the businesses with which we do business.
We're expecting to see progress as it relates to data collection, which is yet another element of this process. My colleague could also elaborate on some of the steps that we're taking with respect to outreach with under-represented suppliers and the coaching services, as well as other supports that are being provided.
Thank you.