We'll call this meeting to order. It's a few minutes late, but we had a subcommittee meeting just before this so it took us some time to get over here.
This meeting is continuing our study--the first study of this Parliament to this committee--of the manufacturing sector and the challenges and opportunities facing that sector. I think all members would agree that it's been an excellent endeavour thus far. We look forward to the groups who will be appearing before us today.
In the first hour, we have the auto industry. I know some members of this committee would argue that it's the most important industry in this country. I would not disagree with that at all.
I'll list the witnesses for the benefit of the committee members. From the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association, we have the president, Mark Nantais; from DaimlerChrysler Canada, Lorraine Shalhoub, director of public policy and external affairs; from Ford Canada, we have the director of government relations, Paul Roy; from General Motors of Canada, we have the vice-president of government affairs, David Paterson; and from the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada, we have David Adams, who is the president.
Welcome to all of you. Welcome to the committee.
We allow up to ten minutes for a witness or association presentation. I would encourage you to be as brief as possible in your opening remarks, because I know that members of the committee do have many questions for you.
We will start off, in order, with Mr. Nantais, for up to ten minutes.