Natural Resources committee  One piece of information I would give for the committee's consideration is that there is empirical data out there in the public domain that suggests that members of the public are more inclined to regard information coming from public sector sources as credible and trustworthy. One example that I would lend to the committee's consideration is some research by a gentleman named Mike Cleland, who I think is familiar to many of you.

Natural Resources committee  Sure. From the perspective of a local distribution company, matters of confidentiality arise, first and foremost, when customer information is involved. I can give you a specific example that we've been addressing with Statistics Canada for several months. The nature of the request was such that there didn't seem to be an understanding of the sensitive, confidential nature of the information they were requesting.

Natural Resources committee  Thank you very much. With respect to our counterparts in the U.S., there are reporting obligations to the EIA, as well as other government bodies, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, as well as state utility regulators. Our understanding from engaging with our counterparts, however, is that they do have an improved culture when it comes to sharing information between state and federal level agencies.

Natural Resources committee  Thank you, Francis. Hydro Ottawa appreciates the opportunity to participate today. As you may know, Hydro Ottawa is the local distribution company here in our nation's capital. In addition to that core business activity, Hydro Ottawa also has a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets, including the Chaudière Falls hydroelectric station, located not too far from this building, as well as a growing portfolio of energy services.