Welcome back to the meeting.
I'm not going to go through all of the information regarding the microphones. The biggest piece of information is this: Please do not put your earpiece close to the microphone, and please make sure that between sessions, your microphone is down.
If you wish to raise your hand, please do so on Zoom. I see we have Emmanuella on Zoom. Everyone else is in the room.
As we continue with our women's economic study, it's an honour to have the minister here.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, September 21, 2023, the committee will resume its study of women's economic empowerment.
Today I would like to welcome Minister Rechie Valdez , who is the Minister of Small Business. With her today, from the Department of Industry, we have Francis Bilodeau, the associate deputy minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and Etienne-René Massie, the assistant deputy minister for small business, tourism and marketplace services.
Minister, I'll give you five minutes for your opening remarks. The time starts now.