I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 137 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology.
Before we begin, I would like to ask all participants to consult the small card and take note of the guidelines for the use of earpieces and microphones. This is about the health and safety of everyone, especially our interpreters.
Pursuant to the motion adopted on Thursday, September 19, 2024, we are pleased to welcome the Honourable François‑Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, to discuss his mandate.
Welcome, Minister. It's good to see you again.
The minister is accompanied today by officials from the Department of Industry: Francis Bilodeau, acting deputy minister; Mary Gregory, associate assistant deputy minister, industry sector; and Benoit Tessier, director general, automotive, transportation, digital and industrial skills branch.
Minister, you know the drill. You will have five minutes, but we will be generous with the time allotted for your opening remarks. We will then move on to the question period.
Without further ado, you have the floor.