We are very pleased to learn that SDTC is going to resume its funding of eligible projects. However, to mitigate the adverse effects Isabelle noted, we urgently request that your committee support the following five measures.

Number one, promptly resume previously approved and committed funding decisions. Restart funding now for existing projects. Funding is currently greatly delayed. Every day of delay can reduce the likelihood of success. The transition to National Research Council cannot be yet another delay in access to funding.

Number two, promptly resume the intake application process for new projects. Don't have SDTC start from a dead stop on new intake while the transition to NRC takes place.

Number three, expedite implementation of the recommendations. Please urgently implement the recommendations from the Auditor General's report, ensuring swift resumption of funding decisions.

Four, streamline processes. While adjustments in processes may be necessary, it's crucial to avoid adding to the administrative burden for entrepreneurs under SDTC's existing rigorous structure. We must streamline procedures wherever possible. It's a key point.

Five, clearly communicate timelines. We can't leave people hanging. Provide affected companies now with clear timelines and estimated waiting periods to help them plan and move forward.

SDTC has been one of Canada's secret weapons in developing our clean-tech innovation economy. It has invested in over 500 companies, generating $3.1 billion in annual revenue, creating 24,500 jobs and bringing 194 new technologies to market. Not only has it provided funding to bridge the gap from bench to commercialization of new technology, it structurally required consortium partnerships and provided invaluable technology vetting that has allowed corporations and investors to deploy their capital into the clean-tech innovation economy in Canada. We're at risk of losing our clean-tech advantage. Mike Andrade from Morgan Solar in Toronto says, “the SDTC freeze...is terrible timing, particularly given the USA is increasing its support for companies like ours. We have had multiple calls from the DOE [Department of Energy] and state organizations about finding opportunities if we relocate portions of our business there.”

In Canada, we've been struggling to realize the full potential of our innovation. However, in clean tech, Canada has been winning in the innovation competition, thanks in part to SDTC.

We thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and remain available for any helpful consultation and collaboration.

Thank you very much.