This is meeting 102 of the Standing Committee on International Trade.
Before we begin, I would like to remind all members and other meeting participants in the room of the following important preventative measures.
To prevent disruptive and potentially harmful audio feedback incidents that can cause injuries, all in-person participants are reminded to keep their earpieces away from all microphones at all times.
As indicated in the communiqué from the Speaker to all members on Monday, the following measures have been taken to help prevent audio feedback incidents.
All earpieces have been replaced by a model that greatly reduces the probability of audio feedback. The new earpieces are black in colour, whereas the former earpieces were grey. Please only use the approved black earpieces.
By default, all unused earpieces will be unplugged at the start of a meeting.
When you are not using your earpiece, please place it face down on the middle of the sticker for this purpose, which you will find on the table, as indicated.
Please consult the cards on the table for guidelines to prevent audio feedback incidents.
The room layout has been adjusted to increase the distance between microphones to reduce the chance of feedback from an ambient earpiece.
These measures are in place so we can conduct our business without interruption and to protect the health and safety of all participants. Thank you all for your co-operation.
I'm not going to read the rest of the message, because it's the same one I read to you every week.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, the committee is resuming its study of Canadian businesses in supply chains and global markets.
We have with us today, from the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, Ron Reinas, chief executive officer. Welcome back, Ron.
From the City of Port Colborne, we have William Steele, mayor, by video conference.
From the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, we welcome Steve Masson, acting vice-president.
From the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, Ian Hamilton, president, is appearing by video conference.
From Naviga Supply Chain, we welcome Matt Weller, founder.
Finally, from the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, we have Jean Aubry-Morin, vice-president, external relations, by video conference.
Welcome to you all. I believe there's one witness who is not online yet. Mr. Hamilton has not been able to connect yet, so we'll hold those questions until he's able to join us.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to come share your information and your thoughts with us.
We will start with Mr. Reinas, please.
I invite you to speak for up to five minutes.