Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the 28th meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format pursuant to the House order of January 25, 2021. The proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website. Webcasts will always show the person speaking rather than the entirety of the committee. To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to outline a few points to follow.
First off, members and witnesses may speak in the official language of their choice. Interpretation services are available for this meeting. You have the choice at the bottom of your screen of either floor, English or French audio. For members participating in person, proceed as you usually would when the whole committee is meeting in person in a committee room. Keep in mind the directives from the Board of Internal Economy regarding masking and health protocols.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. If you are on the video conference, please click on the microphone icon to unmute yourself. For those in the room, your microphone will be controlled as normal by the proceedings and verification officer. I remind you that all comments by members and witnesses should be addressed through the chair. When you are not speaking, your mike should be on mute. With regard to a speaking list, as always, the committee clerk and I will do our very best to maintain the order of speaking for all members, whether they are participating virtually or in person.
Members, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on October 29, 2020, the committee will now continue its study of targeted infrastructure investments.
It's my pleasure to welcome as well as introduce our witnesses this evening. We have, from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada, John Gamble, president and chief executive officer. From the Federation of Canadian Municipalities we have Garth Frizzell, president, and councillor for the city of Prince George; and Matt Gemmel, director, policy and research. The National Trade Contractors Council of Canada is represented by Sandra Skivsky, who is the chair.
To all of you, welcome. I'll start off with Mr. Gamble.
Mr. Gamble, you have the floor for five minutes for your opening remarks.