Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Welcome, gentlemen. Thank you for joining us.
If you have been following this committee's work for some time, I assume you will not be surprised to hear that a few other witnesses have presented the same position as you. However, I think we agree on one issue. The Quebec and Ontario construction systems differ considerably. You are probably in a better position than me to talk about the Ontario system, and vice versa.
People have been quick to make comparisons between the astronomical costs closed bidding processes are criticized for and costs resulting from open bidding processes. That has not yet been explained to me. We have always been given figures—but they were always the same ones and always based on the same experiences.
I would like to hear an objective explanation of the situation in Ontario, so that I can understand it better. You have the right to consultation.
How many municipalities are there in Ontario, approximately?