Thanks very much, Madam Chair.
Before I get to the witnesses, the clerk did circulate a notice of motion. I just want to make sure it is a matter of public record today. I'll move it on Thursday, but just so everyone is on the same page, the motion is:
That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Standing Committee on Innovation, Science and Technology invite senior representatives from Loblaw Companies Ltd., Metro Inc. and Empire Company Ltd. [which owns Sobey's] to explain their decisions to cancel, on the same day, the modest increase in wages for front-line grocery store workers during the pandemic, including how those decisions are consistent with competition laws.
I know a number of us were quite frustrated to see that decision taking place, and I think it's important on behalf of Canadians that we have these companies in to explain themselves. Hopefully, they don't talk to one another first.
My question on the Investment Canada Act is the same for all the witnesses. We heard previous testimony to the effect that the policy guidance in mid-April that was issued by the minister's office effectively says there's going to be greater scrutiny on state-owned companies or companies that are associated with authoritarian regimes. There is currently additional scrutiny should those acquisitions be proposed. We heard some witness testimony, though, that rather than that policy direction there ought to be firmer guidance with greater specificity. Out of all of the witness testimony, that seems to be a recommendation that is reasonable.
I wonder, starting with Mr. Wakil, if that's something that you think we ought to support.