Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I would like to welcome all of you here to committee. I'm looking forward to the questions and answers that will come out of this session. I do want to thank you as well for obviously all the hard work that has gone into the creation of this legislation.
I'd also like to start by acknowledging just how vital the offshore resources industry is to Atlantic Canada, and in fact to our country's economy. I know the offshore oil and gas industries have made an enormous contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia, and that these industries have transformed the economy of eastern Canada.
With all that activity comes the need to ensure that we have a world-class regulatory body, to ensure that our government is taking measures necessary to ensure Canadian satisfaction in this regard and ensure that people are safe in their workplace.
I also know that this bill has been in the making for many years. I'd like to ask you to describe the process historically and then how crucial it is that these amendments be enacted promptly at this time.