I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 30 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 for its study of Canada-People's Republic of China relations with a focus on the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
First, I have a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and 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're not speaking.
For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of the floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel. As reminder, keep the earpiece away from the microphone, so we don't thrill the interpreters with feedback. It's not pleasant.
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. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.
I'd like to welcome a couple of visitors to our MP lineup. Mr. Liepert, from Calgary, is joining us today. We actually also have my neighbour from Langley—Aldergrove, right next to our riding of Fleetwood—Port Kells. Mr. Van Popta is subbing for MP Lantsman.
For our first panel now, we'd like to welcome Mr. Bob Pickard, who's here as an individual. He's allegedly no stranger to these precincts, including this building. We'll leave that explanation for another time.
Mr. Pickard, you have up to five minutes to deliver your opening remarks.