Thanks very much, Chair.
Mr. Butt's on fire with the housing issue, so I'm going to split my time.
I'd like to just make some opening comments regarding the October congress involving international co-ops and Canadian co-ops. If this committee has its five days of committee hearings, we'll have heard from close to probably 60 co-ops from across Canada in different provinces, from coast to coast to coast. Certainly what we've heard today has been extremely encouraging, just how robust co-ops are, how diversified they are, how present they are in rural communities, that they are financially stable. Their assets are increasing. Their memberships are increasing. In fact, we had a witness this morning tell us that for credit unions it's outpacing the growth of the population. The balance sheet has tripled in the past ten years. These are fabulous messages, particularly in these challenging economic times.
Another thing we heard from witnesses is not well known. In fact, I think one of the aims of this committee is to be informed on these matters but also to broadcast them to Canadians. The advantage of this report coming out before the congress is that it can be brought to the congress. In other words, look at all the witnesses the committee has heard from; look at what the committee heard in terms of the strengths and economic challenges they're overcoming; look at the recommendations the committee made. I think it's nice that the committee has actually finalized its report and can bring it to the congress and present a finished report to the congress.
My hope is that every member here on this committee will go. We don't have to be on the committee to go. We should be going to this congress. It's not that far away. We should be encouraging our colleagues to go as well. In terms of a professional education, there's a wonderful opportunity here that no one should miss. I just say we don't need to go and.... Actually, I think we should go in that capacity. If we start organizing meetings right beside a congress, I'm not sure.... Is that competing? What's going on?
Anyway, I wanted to make those points, Chair. I'll now turn it over to Mr. Butt.