I will call the meeting to order.
I welcome you all, including new members qt the committee, to this 25th meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
Today's meeting, as you are aware, is taking place in a hybrid format according to rules adopted on November 25. I would expect all members attending in person to follow the pandemic protocols that are in place.
To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to make a few comments. Today's meeting is available in both official languages. To get interpretation if you're appearing virtually, simply go to the bottom of your screen and click on the interpretation icon. I would ask each presenter to speak slowly so that the translators can properly interpret what you're saying.
If any member of the committee loses interpretation, please notify me by using the “raise hand” icon if you're appearing virtually or by raising your hand if you're in the House. I would also ask that during the meeting, all comments be addressed through the chair.
As you are aware, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, February 3, the committee will resume its study of the housing accelerator fund.
I would like to welcome our witnesses to begin our discussions with five minutes of opening remarks, followed by questions. As individuals we have Edward Goldstein and Steve Pomeroy. Mr. Pomeroy is a consultant and executive adviser with the Canadian Housing Evidence Collaborative at McMaster University. From the Smart Prosperity Institute, we have Mike Moffatt, senior director.
I will now begin by asking Mr. Goldstein to present his opening comments for five minutes.
I will time you, Mr. Goldstein. As you get close to your five minutes, I will give you a 10-second notice to conclude your comments.
The floor is yours.