Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), our study on the federal contribution to reducing poverty in Canada will commence.
I want to thank our witnesses for being here today and giving us some feedback as we put our report together. We've been working on this for the last year or two. I'm not sure exactly how long it's been, because of elections and legislation. We're glad that you're able to come out.
We've been travelling for a week and there are a lot of support staff in the room—translators, clerks, and the people who help organize things. I wanted to thank all of you publicly for all the hard work you do just getting us on and off the bus. It's like herding cats sometimes, worrying about moving MPs around.
I'm going to start with Mr. Cohen. We're going to go across the room. We have a very busy panel. When we've had a chance to hear from everybody, we're then going to go around the room with the MPs. I realize you're all very busy, and we appreciate your taking time out of your busy schedules to come out this morning and talk with us about what I know is near and dear to all your hearts.
I'm going to stop talking and let you do some talking.
Welcome, Neil. You are with the Community Unemployed Help Centre.