I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number six of the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations. Pursuant to the motion adopted on Wednesday, September 23, the committee is meeting on its study of Canada-China relations.
Today's meeting is being held in a hybrid format, in keeping with the motion passed by the House on September 23. The meeting is also being televised. It will be available on the House of Commons website.
To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to outline a few rules to follow.
Members and witnesses may speak in the official language of their choice. Interpretation services are available for this meeting. You have the choice at the bottom of your screen of “floor”, “English” or “French”.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. If you are participating by video conference, please click on the microphone icon to unmute yourself.
The witness, who I think has probably appeared at committees before, will know that when one of the members is asking him questions, he doesn't have to wait for me to recognize him. He can go ahead and answer the question.
I want to remind you that committee members and witnesses should address all comments to the chair. Please speak slowly and clearly.
When you are not speaking, your microphone should be on mute.
I will now welcome Mr. Shawn Steil, executive director, greater China policy and coordination, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, to speak to us.
Thank you very much for being here. Please proceed with your five-minute opening remarks.