Good morning, everyone.
I apologize for being late. I was in a committee meeting that had an important vote and I had to wait until that vote took place before I came over.
Our first order of business was to have an election for vice-chair, but in the absence of Mr. Harris we will do that at the next available committee meeting. I understand he has other important business to be at.
We'll continue on right to our Standing Order 108(2) where we're undertaking a study of NATO's strategic concept and Canada's role in international defence cooperation.
Joining us is a witness from National Defence who is very familiar to the committee. She is Jill Sinclair, the assistant deputy minister of policy. Joining her is Colonel Brian Irwin, who is the director of NATO policy.
Welcome to both of you.
Ms. Sinclair, could you start off with your opening comments? Just so the committee knows, we're giving our witnesses today 15 minutes for opening testimony. That was agreed to by the subcommittee on national defence.