Welcome, colleagues and guests.
Given the events of the past week and that this is our first committee since the tragic events of last Wednesday, I would like to begin this meeting with a moment of standing silence in memory of Warrant Officer Vincent and Corporal Cirillo.
[A moment of silence observed]
Thank you.
In today's meeting, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), we are continuing our study on the defence of North America.
We have two witnesses with us today. They are appearing as individuals, but they are co-authors of a recent study on NORAD and, by implication, the defence of North America.
We have in our committee room Dr. James Fergusson, who is a professor and director of political studies at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the University of Manitoba.
Welcome, Dr. Fergusson, and thank you for your appearance here today.
As well, by video conference from Winnipeg, we have Dr. Andrea Charron, associate professor and deputy director of political studies at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the University of Manitoba.
Thank you, Dr. Charron, for appearing with us today. If you will, please go ahead with your opening remarks.