Thank you, Madam Chair, for this opportunity to discuss the Investment Canada Act related to the committee's study.
I am the senior assistant deputy minister of the industry sector for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and deputy director of investments, responsible for supporting the director of investments in advising the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry on the Investment Canada Act.
In my brief opening remarks, I would like to provide background to the committee on how we administer the act, including in the current context shaped by COVID-19.
As has been widely recognized, foreign direct investment plays an important role—