Finance committee  Unfortunately, my colleague, Lisa, had to leave to do a CBC interview. First of all, let me say that, while it's not specific, we hear this over and over again: “Why can't we collaborate in this country to achieve the inclusive, sustainable economic growth we all want?” Canadians talk to us about the fact that they are so dispirited by the fact that different parties and levels of government seem unable to talk in a respectful way with each other to come up with the solutions that Canadians know and feel will meet these big challenges.

Finance committee  I agree with Lisa, and I agree with the premise of your question, Mr. Blaikie. Absolutely, this is not only a moment for Canada, but it's a moment globally, as we heard last week at the UN and we continue to hear. Absolutely, government and the private sector need to work together, because at the end of the day, the amount of investment required....

Finance committee  No, Lisa, over to you.

Finance committee  Lisa mentioned one important part of infrastructure, broadband, but I think in terms of infrastructure generally in rural and small-town Canada there's figuring out what it is communities need to sustain themselves but also to attract the immigrants, for example, Lisa just talked about.

Finance committee  First, let me say that Mr. Dodge should be teaching constitutional law somewhere, as I did for many years. You did a good job, David. On trade and commerce power, I think it's fair to say that, wherever Lisa and I go and when we talk to our members, one thing we hear is the importance of reducing interprovincial trade barriers.

Finance committee  Our scorecard was developed two years ago now, after a lot of conversation, especially with a number of noted environmental proponents, such as Professor Stewart Elgie. If he hasn't appeared before your committee, he may very well do so. We believe the targets we have set for 2030 in all areas are generally ambitious.

Finance committee  For Canada to succeed, the conversation about business investment must include transitioning to a net-zero economy. Achieving net zero by 2050 is one of the core beliefs of each of our coalition members, even though members will choose different tools by which to reach this goal.

Finance committee  Thank you, Chair, for inviting the Coalition for a Better Future to participate in the committee's pre-budget consultations. I'm here virtually, as you've heard, with my co-chair, the Honourable Lisa Raitt. The Coalition for a Better Future represents a diverse and growing group of Canadian organizations across business, labour and civil society, working together to advocate for inclusive, sustainable economic growth.