Thank you, Chair, and welcome, Minister, to the natural resources committee.
Critical minerals have been a big focus of the Prime Minister, a big focus of the budget and a significant focus of this committee as well. Many projects of national interest involve developing critical minerals. This committee has heard that critical minerals are essential for Canada to maintain our leadership role in a global transition to an electric future.
My first question is, how will our investment in critical minerals enable a better future for Canadians?