We'll call to order this meeting of the industry, science and technology committee. Gentlemen, may I have your attention.
This is the first session of many studying the current state of the manufacturing sector here in Canada and the challenges facing this very important sector. We at the committee have identified four different areas, but the witnesses here are certainly free to address any other issues as well. First of all, there's the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector facing the appreciating value of the Canadian dollar; secondly, the increasing costs of high energy; thirdly, challenges faced by globalization; and fourthly, the availability of skilled labour.
We have with us here today some very distinguished witnesses, who will have up to 10 minutes for presentations for each group. If you don't want to take the 10 minutes, that's fine; it just leaves more time for questions and comments.
I'll list them all, but the first witness we have is from the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Jayson Myers, senior vice-president and chief economist. Secondly, we have the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, with Garth Whyte, executive vice-president, presenting along with Corinne Pohlmann, director of national affairs, and Lucie Charron, policy analyst. Thirdly, from the Canadian Council of Chief Executives we have Mr. David Stewart-Patterson, executive vice-president, and, secondly Sam Boutziouvis, vice-president economics and international trade.
We'll start with the CME, then go to the CFIB, and then to the Canadian Council of Chief Executives. You have up to 10 minutes each, and then we'll open up for questions and comments. We have a full house here, so obviously there is a great interest by members in this issue.
Welcome to the committee. We look forward to your presentations.