I do want to acknowledge that this meeting is taking place on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people, and, of course, the territories of those who are attending virtually as well.
Pursuant to the motion adopted by this committee on Monday, January 31, 2022, the committee is meeting for its study of the 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.
I'm going to skip the next paragraph for those in person. You know the rules. For those participating virtually, I would like to outline a few rules to follow. You may speak in the official language or your choice. You have the language option choices at the bottom of your screen of either the floor, English or French. If interpretation is lost, please inform me immediately and we will ensure interpretation is properly restored before resuming 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 six sets of witnesses with us this afternoon. Each set of witnesses will be given five minutes to make opening statements.
When you get near the end of your opening statement, I will try to gently interrupt you to let you know when time is coming to an end. If I do so, would you wrap up with the last few sentences. If you're not able to finish your opening statements, we do have written copies with us as well, and you might be able to make note of them in answers to questions.
Without further ado, we will go to our opening comments, beginning with ArtSpring and Mr. Howard Jang, executive and artistic director.
Mr. Jang, the floor is yours for five minutes.