I call this meeting to order.
Good afternoon, everyone.
Welcome to meeting number 29 and the final meeting of the session for the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Friday, April 8, 2022, the committee is meeting to study the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of November 25, 2021. Members and witnesses may attend in person or remotely using the Zoom application. As they are familiar with the health rules that are still in effect here, in Ottawa, those who are attending this meeting in person should conduct themselves accordingly.
Before the introductions, I want to thank the witnesses for their patience. Some speeches and voting had a slight impact on the House schedule. I thank them for remaining here with us.
Without further delay, I'll introduce our witnesses, whom we are honoured to have joining us today.
We will be hearing from Mr. Jean‑Guy Couillard, as an individual; Mr. Vincent Rousson, rector of the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, also as an individual; Mr. David Macdonald, senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives; Mr. Benjamin Dachis, associate vice-president, public affairs, with the C.D. Howe Institute; Mr. Mathieu Lavigne, director, public and economic affairs, with the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec; and Ms. Audrey Langlois, workforce and economic affairs adviser, also with the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec.
I thank you for being with us today.
Mr. Couillard, you have five minutes for your presentation. You have the floor.