Meegwetch, Chief Williams. It's greatly appreciated.
Colleagues, to begin the second round of questioning for today, I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of our new witnesses.
Kindly wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute yourself when you're not speaking.
For those joining by Zoom, at the bottom of your screen, you can select the appropriate channel for the interpretation. You have the choice of the floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel. This is a reminder that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
Colleagues, I'd now like to welcome our witnesses.
First, from the Assembly of First Nations, we have Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, national chief. Welcome to you.
I'd also like to acknowledge the presence of numerous other chiefs representing first nation communities across the country. Thank you very much for your presence here today.
Second, from the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada, we have Catherine Swift, president, who's joining us by video conference. We're hoping to work out some of the audio and technical issues we're having, colleagues. Hopefully we can get those worked out. Until that time, we will not be posing any questions to Ms. Swift.
Third, as an individual, we have Maxime St-Hilaire, professor at the faculty of law at the Université de Sherbrooke. Welcome to you.
We'll begin with opening remarks. For that, it is my pleasure to turn the floor over to you, National Chief. You have five minutes.