Good morning everyone. Welcome to the 33rd meeting of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.
This morning we welcome representatives from two departments of government, the first from the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development, the second from the Department of Finance.
This is our second meeting on consideration of the barriers and opportunities or solutions we can identify in advancing the economic development of Canada's north. I say that, members, because as we go through the course of our questioning and hearing from witnesses during this study, I think we need to be mindful of the mandate we have at hand and keep our questioning on the orders of the day. Obviously there are times, particularly depending on the witnesses, when any number of questions may arise. I simply remind members that we need to focus on these important questions, identifying where those gaps may exist, for the purpose of eventually formulating what all committee members believe to be important recommendations that we can recommend to the House and to the government in advancing economic development in Canada's north.
Without taking that any further, I would like to introduce Mr. Thompson, the associate assistant deputy minister of the skills and employment branch of HRSDC; and also Mr. Chris Forbes, the directeur général, Direction des relations fédérales-provinciales et de la politique sociale du ministère des Finances. I know that you probably both know we typically allot ten minutes for each presentation. I see that you have circulated your remarks in advance. We appreciate that.
We'll go through each presentation, followed by questions from members. I'm sure you also know that when we get to questions, the first round will be seven minutes—that is for the member's question and for your response. We guide our responses as succinctly as we can.
Monsieur Lévesque, avez-vous une question?