Good morning, everyone. We're still trying to connect by video conference with some of the witnesses for today, but we will start the meeting. We're here today to continue our study of the cross-country benefits of the oil and gas sectors of the Canadian economy.
Before we get started, I just want to mention that for any members of the committee who are interested in hooking up to the paperless committee system—I had it installed on my computer—we had a chat about this before. It's up to each individual whether or not they want to take part in that. All of the paper is still available for those who want it. Those who want can just chat.... We have a gentleman at the back whom you would deal with to get your iPad set up for that. Then you will have all the documents pertaining to the committee available to you at any time.
Let's get started now with the business of our meeting today. We have several witnesses with us today.
We have with us, as an individual, Pierre Desrochers, associate professor, University of Toronto, geography department. Welcome to you, sir. From Pond Biofuels, we have David Holm, chief executive officer. Welcome to you, sir. We have by video conference from Fort McMurray, Alberta, from the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Chief Allan Adam. He isn't here yet by video conference. We have from Calgary, Alberta, from the Pembina Institute, Sarah Dobson, economist, Alberta and the north. We have from Ferus Natural Gas Fuels, Blaire Lancaster, director, government and public affairs. Again, she isn't connected yet. I will introduce them as they come on and as we finish with previous witnesses.
We'll have the witnesses present in the order that they're on the agenda and in the order I've just read. Witnesses, I would ask that you keep your comments to seven minutes; otherwise it drags a bit too long.
Perhaps you could go ahead, please, Mr. Desrochers, with your presentation for up to seven minutes.