Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'll begin this statement then turn to my colleague to say a few words about his company's operations in Japan. Then I'll conclude the remarks, all in 10 minutes.
Mr. Chair, ladies and gentlemen members of the committee, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to be here today with Peter Wilkinson, from Manulife Financial, on behalf of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, or the CLHIA. We appreciate the opportunity to share our support for the comprehensive and high-level economic partnership agreement with Japan.
The CLHIA is a voluntary trade association whose member companies account for 99% of Canada's life and health insurance business. Our industry provides a wide range of financial security products such as life insurance, annuities and supplementary health insurance to about 26 million Canadians.
Canadian life and health insurers are also an international success story. Almost half of the industry's premium income is generated from outside Canada, while a majority of its employees reside in Canada. Our industry has operations in 20 foreign markets and is keen on expanding its horizons.
The most active Canadian insurer in Japan is Manulife Financial, and I will let Peter say a few words about their operations in the country.