The meeting is called to order.
Hello, everyone. Welcome to meeting No. 22 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology.
First of all, I would like to apologize to the witnesses for the delay. There were a few votes in the House, which is why we are late. Thank you for your patience.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Friday, April 8, 2022, the committee is meeting to study Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.
Today's meeting is in hybrid format, pursuant to the House Order of November 25, 2021. Members are attending in person in the room or remotely using the Zoom application. Those who are here in the room are familiar with the health rules.
Dear witnesses, we are delighted to welcome you to the committee.
Appearing as an individual are Mr. Ritesh Kotak, technology entrepreneur and strategist, and Ms. Yelena Larkin, associate professor of finance, York University.
We are also pleased to welcome Ms. Dana O'Born, vice-president, strategy and advocacy, who has returned, this time with the right equipment.
Thanks for being here, Madam O'Born.
From the Driving Change Automotive Group, we have Trevor Boquist, CEO; from the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Mr. Michael J. Ballingall, vice-president; and from the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, Rakesh Naidu, president and chief executive officer.
Thank you all for being here.
Without further ado, we're going to start with Ritesh Kotak for five minutes.