Pursuant to the order of reference of Tuesday, September 29, 2009, Bill C-50, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to increase benefits is what we're discussing today.
I want to thank all our witnesses, who on short notice have taken time out of their busy schedules to be here. We really appreciate that because we're sure you had to move some things around.
We're going to start with your testimony, and I'm going to start with Mr. Schumann and continue down the list, for seven minutes each. I'll give you a one-minute warning by waving my hand to give you an idea of the time left. For the information of those of you who haven't been here before, we'll then have two rounds of questions, a seven-minute round and then a five-minute round, and there may even be a few statements during those times as well.
We'll get started with Steve Schumann from the International Union of Operating Engineers.
Sir, the floor is yours for seven minutes.