Thank you, Mr. Chair.
What a great group of witnesses we have today to complete this study. We have people who conduct basic research and people working in the field. The entire health sciences ecosystem is represented.
I will try to ask smart questions.
Let me begin with Mr. Lamarre, because I think what he said is important. I think the pandemic showed us that basic research is the foundation for the biotechnology and technology expertise that enabled us to achieve results. This has been so overlooked in Canada, for decades, that we have lost researchers. We lost them because the research grants are pitiful. You mentioned that earlier. We cannot retain talent without adequate financial support, and those are the most important people during a period as critical as a pandemic.
I would like to hear your thoughts on that, Mr. Lamarre. Do we have a strong health sciences ecosystem right now?
In the last three years, have you seen greater awareness and concrete steps on the part of authorities?
You are making recommendations that I have seen before, Mr. Lamarre, and I think they have gone unanswered.