I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting No. 145 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.
I think almost everybody knows the drill, but I'm supposed to do it anyway.
In front of you, there's a little decal on the table. That's where you will put your device so that it doesn't interfere with interpretation and sound. Also, there's a little square block of words that you need to read, which tells you how to do things so that you don't interfere with sound transmission.
Today, the meeting is in a hybrid format.
I want to remind participants of the following things. You're not allowed to take photographs of the screen or of the room. You can get those afterwards on the public podcast. I will also note that, before you speak, as the chair, I have to recognize you. If you answer a question or if you ask a question, it has to go through the chair. For members participating via Zoom, please note that you have a little “raise hand” icon on your computer. Please click on it if you wish to speak. Again, you need to know that all comments will be made through the chair.
I have one last thing to say. I will shout out “30 seconds” when you have 30 seconds left in your time. I will literally shout it so that you can hear me, because you may be reading something and may not see me if put my hand up.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the committee will resume its study of the protection of freedom of expression.
We have witnesses here to speak to that issue. I would like to welcome the witnesses.
Before I do that, apparently we have one witness who has just come on. I will suspend so we can onboard her. Thank you very much.