I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 28 of the House of Commons Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship.
Pursuant to the order of reference of May 16, 2022, the committee is meeting on its study of the Canada–People’s Republic of China relations with a focus on Canada’s Indo‐Pacific strategy.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and the members.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I will remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair. For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can, and we appreciate your patience and understanding.
In deference to my colleague from the fisheries committee, I would also mention that if you have your earpiece too close to the microphone, that will cause feedback, which is very difficult for our interpreters, so be careful with that.
When he arrives, Mr. Boulerice is going to be substituting for Ms. McPherson.