Good afternoon, colleagues. I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 10 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage. I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is taking place on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.
I'm going to read through this quickly, because I think we know most of the things on here. If I read too fast, I'm sure our interpreters will tell me to slow down.
Pursuant to the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, January 31, 2022, the committee is meeting on the study of Status of the Artist Act and its impact on improving basic working conditions for artists.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of November 25, 2021. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application. The proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website.
Given the ongoing pandemic situation and in light of the recommendations from health authorities, as well as the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, to remain healthy and safe, all those attending the meeting in person are to maintain two-metre physical distancing and must wear a non-medical mask when circulating in the room. It is highly recommended that the mask be worn at all times, including when seated. You must use the hand sanitizer in the room.
As the chair, I will be enforcing these measures for the duration of the meeting, and I thank members in advance for their co-operation.
For those participating virtually, I would like to outline a few rules to follow.
You may speak in the official language of your choice. You have the language choices, at the bottom of your screen, of floor, English or French. If interpretation is lost, please inform me immediately and we will ensure that interpretation is properly restored before resuming the proceedings.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. When you are not speaking, your mike should be on mute. I remind you that all comments by members should be addressed through the chair.
We have a number of witnesses with us this morning. We will start off with a five-minute opening statement by each of our witnesses.
We will begin with Darcy Michael, who is here as an individual.
Go ahead.