Good morning, everybody.
I welcome John Brassard to our committee to replace Mr. Zimmer for today.
I would like to officially welcome Madame Sansoucy to this committee. As we know, our former member of this committee is moving on to a higher pursuit.
Welcome also to everybody here. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, June 13, 2016, the committee is resuming its study on poverty reduction strategies.
Today is the last day of witness testimony for this almost year-long study. We've gone coast to coast and met with a number of great organizations and individuals. I'm very excited that we will soon be tabling a report on this very important topic.
I would like to welcome today a number of witnesses to speak. From the City of Toronto we have Pamela McConnell, deputy mayor. From the Canadian Association for Community Living we have Michael Bach, executive vice-president. From the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario we have Magda Barrera and Mary Todorow. From United Way Toronto and York Region, we have Pedro Barata. As an individual, we have Donald K. Johnson, member of the advisory board, Bank of Montreal Capital Markets.
We have a full panel. We're going to start with opening statements from each of you. Because we have such a large group and a tight timeline, I'm going to ask that you keep your comments to seven minutes. If you see the red light go on, it's my very polite way to say that you're out of time.
To start us off, from the City of Toronto, Pamela McConnell, the next seven minutes are yours.