Good morning, everyone.
We are here, as you all know, to begin a study on the cross-Canada benefits of developing the oil and gas sector of our energy economy.
Before I introduce the witnesses, there are just a couple of very quick things I'd like to mention. I think we should probably end the meeting at about a quarter after ten. We have the Aga Khan coming to Parliament. That'll give us ample time to get over there.
Secondly, I guess it's been agreed that our committee could be one of the committees that goes to the paperless committee system, so the clerk will send all members of the committee a video. If you could look at the video, then at some future meeting, over the next couple of meetings or so, we could have a very short discussion on that if you'd like and make a decision.
Turning to our business today, we agreed on December 9, 2013, that this committee would undertake a study on the benefits experienced across Canada from developing the energy industry, with a focus on the oil and natural gas sectors. Specifically, the study would examine how investment in this energy benefits local communities, businesses, and other sectors across the country, both directly and indirectly. It would allow the committee to better understand a wide range of benefits of the oil and gas sector to the Canadian economy in terms of employment, government revenue, innovation, the contribution to the GDP, and other benefits unlisted.
That's what the study is about. We have officials from the department here to give us the first testimony on the study. After the departmental officials give their presentations to us, we'll go to questions and comments, as usual. I have to say that I'm very much looking forward to this study.
I'll introduce the witnesses here today. We have Jay Khosla, assistant deputy minister, Energy Sector. Welcome to you.
We have Jeff Labonté, director general, Energy Safety and Security Branch, Energy Sector. Welcome to you again.
We have Terence Hubbard, director general, Petroleum Resources Branch, Energy Sector. Welcome.
We have Carol Buckley, director general, Office of Energy Efficiency, Energy Sector. Welcome.
We have Jonathan Will, director general, Electricity Resources Branch, Energy Sector. Welcome to you.
We have Martin Aubé, director general, Strategic Science-Technology Branch, Innovation and Energy Technology Sector.
I know you all. This is your very favourite thing you do in your jobs: come to our committee to give us information. But it really is something very important. It is an important role. The information you give does help inform parliamentarians, and parliamentarians are involved in the decision-making process. I do thank you very much for being here.
If you could go ahead with your presentations, please do, and when that's complete, we will go to the questions and comments.