Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to thank the witnesses for joining us.
I would like to put my first question to the representatives of the Canadian Telecommunications Association. I'll then put a similar question to the representatives of the Canadian Bankers Association.
Almost everyone agrees that Bill C‑26 is a step in the right direction, and that it's relatively good news that the government wants to tackle the cybersecurity issue. However, there are fairly widespread concerns about the protection of personal information and privacy, in addition to the government's sweeping regulatory and order‑making powers in particular.
You represent carriers and companies that invest in telecommunications networks, such as Vidéotron, Rogers or Bell. I imagine that these large companies are already investing in ways to protect themselves against any cyber-attacks. They have the workforce to do so.
You may also represent slightly smaller companies with fewer customers. This could mean an additional workload for them. Some of them may have already endured cyber-attacks.
At this time, how do the companies that you represent protect themselves against cyber-attacks? What will Bill C‑26 change?
If the bill isn't amended, for example, to better regulate the government's powers, will somewhat smaller companies—such as small and medium‑sized businesses—consider it a burden or a relief?
I know that it's a fairly broad issue.