Good morning, everyone.
I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 151 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology.
Before we begin, I would like to ask all members and other in-person participants to consult the cards on the table. They provide guidelines to prevent audio feedback incidents. This is about everyone's health and safety, especially the interpreters, whom we sincerely thank.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference of the House and the motion agreed to on November 21, 2024, the committee is commencing its study of the subject matter of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2024-25.
In addition, pursuant to the motion adopted on Thursday, September 19, 2024, and the order of the House referring back the twentieth report of the committee entitled “Potential Anti-Competitive Behaviour in Canada’s E-Transfer Ecosystem” the committee is resuming its study on credit card practices and regulations in Canada.
As a reminder to members, today is an extended four-hour meeting. We are running a bit late, so the meeting will continue until eight o'clock.
Let's get started right away.
I am very pleased to welcome today François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. He is accompanied by Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
Welcome to you both. Thank you for making yourselves available for this meeting.
Accompanying the Minister of Finance is Julien Brazeau, associate assistant deputy minister, financial sector policy branch.
From the Department of Industry, we have Philip Jennings, deputy minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
I would also like to thank Mr. Jennings and Mr. Brazeau for joining us.
Without further ado, I yield the floor to you, Ms. Freeland.