Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Welcome, Professor Evans and Professor Houlden, to our committee.
I have a question about what both of you mentioned in your opening statement, which was that universities have been telling us that they've received no directives, no advice from the federal government regarding partnerships with companies like Huawei.
Recently the University of Toronto entered into a partnership with Huawei, and the university said that the Canadian government had not advised them against collaborating with that Chinese company. They were quoted as saying, “We look to the federal government for actionable direction and guidance. There has been no change in the actions of the government with respect to Huawei Canada and its operations in this country.”
Today in the Globe, an article quotes the University of Alberta, saying that the university has “ 'received no directives related to China' from the federal government to stop its engagement with Chinese institutions”, and we know that the minister is looking to come forward with new risk guidelines for research projects.
My first question to you is this: Would you be comfortable if the federal government said to universities, “We are advising you against partnerships with the following companies”—such as Huawei—“and here is what we define as a partnership”? That still respects academic freedom, but it's clear advice to universities, professors and the academic community about the federal government's position. Would you be comfortable if that was what the federal government was to do?