Madam Chair, I join my colleagues in welcoming our witnesses here today.
Mr. McBain, I believe I have heard testimony from you before, and I think it was when I was a member of the government operations and estimates committee. This confirms for me that this bill is somewhat misplaced at this table, that it probably should be contemplated at that committee.
The Canadian Construction Association stated on Tuesday that the consultations process, with respect to a local community to define community benefits to go into a PSPC contract would have to be done by the department prior to seeking bids. That's the only way the procurement process would be complied with.
Do you agree with the Canadian Construction Association that PSPC would have to conduct the community consultation ahead for it to be fair for all bidders? The Treasury Board guidelines state very clearly that all contracting must reflect fairness.