I call the meeting to order.
I would like to welcome our witnesses for this panel, as we continue our study on the economic imperative and long-term importance for small rural municipalities outside of major cities to retain new immigrants.
For this panel, we are joined by Century Initiative, represented by Lisa Lalande, chief executive officer; and also Jon Medow, policy and research adviser. Our second witness today is the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, represented by Emily Lauzon, workforce development officer; and Piero Pucci, supervisor, economic development.
Thanks to all of the witnesses for appearing before the committee. Welcome. We are really looking forward to this discussion.
Ms. Lisa Lalande, you can please proceed. You will have five minutes for your opening remarks, and then we will go into a round of questioning.