 Hello everyone. Bonjour tout le monde. Tensei. To wow. I'd like to respect for Lake Knowledge that we are gathered here today on Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Homeland Region 4. Thank you to Northwest College and Open Education Global for championing equitable access to education and lifelong learning. As Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages for Canada, I would like to extend a warm welcome on behalf of the Government of Canada to today's advocates, decision makers and attendees from around the world to our beautiful City of Edmonton. I extend my sincere regret that I couldn't be with you in person, but I am celebrating in the energy and enthusiasm of this amazing conference. Open Education is not just a concept, it's a movement that has the potential to transform lives, communities and entire nations. It's about breaking down barriers to education, making knowledge freely available to all and leveling the playing field so that everyone, regardless of their background, can access the tools and resources they need to succeed. It's easy for us sometimes to take the skills that we learn growing up in school for granted because education is such a pillar of our society and yet it is so critical to how we live our days as human beings. These skills are what help us connect with each other, find our best first jobs and create meaningful careers. Education is power. And if education is power, then Open Education extends that very power to many who may have never had it before. This is reflected right here in our City's Education District and my own Federal Riding of Edmonton Center made up of so many amazing post-secondary institutions like Norquist College, McEwen University, Nate and the University of Alberta. These institutions know firsthand how to support students who come through their doors to help them reach their fullest potential. Edmonton is also honored to be the first Canadian City to join UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities. Together we can and will work towards providing equitable access to education for all. Thank you again to Norquist College, Open Education Global and all of the organizers and attendees for making this event possible. Together we are working towards a brighter, more inclusive and more open future. Thank you. Merci. High High.