Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, gentlemen, for coming here today. We really appreciate you taking the time.
My first question is for Mr. Qayyum. In your report, you say you support the provisions of Bill C-35 to “close legal loopholes that have enabled ghost agents to thrive”, that for too long, these disreputable individuals have exploited these loopholes to take advantage of people. In fact, we know that ghost agents have caused a lot of human misery. Lord knows if they pay their fair share of income tax or what else they do. Then you expressed concern a little bit later that the regulatory review has cast a shadow over the profession, endangering the livelihood of fellows who work hard to provide service.
But my conclusion, based on my past experience, is that an improved system will give the public more confidence in consultants, and that it will enhance their chances of making a living. For example, if you look at organized real estate in Ontario, people used to make jokes about real estate agents and so on, but it's really a dynamic organization, and it has grown as the credibility of the agents has grown.
I just wanted to share that thought with you. I don't know if you have any comments on that. Please go ahead.