I call this meeting to order.
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to meeting number 51 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.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the House on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, the committee is meeting on the study of Bill C-18, an act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format pursuant to the House order of Thursday, June 23, 2022. Members are attending in person and remotely.
I want to make a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and members. Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those on video conference, click on the microphone icon at the bottom of your screen. Then, you will be able to activate your mike.
To get interpretation, you will see a globe at the bottom of your screen. If you click on that, you can get get your interpretation in English or in French, as you desire. 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 the desired channel.
Remember that all comments should be made through the chair.
I have one comment to make. We have had a very tragic accident with an interpreter because the witnesses were not using the required mikes. I have been asked to ensure that everyone is using the headset that has been sent to them by the clerk. It is very important to remember that, because we don't want to harm people at the other end.
Having said that, I want the committee to know that all witnesses completed the required connection tests in advance of the meeting and are using the required headsets.
We will begin.
On Bill C-18, we have three witnesses today. We have Sue Gardner McConnell professor of practice, Max Bell school of public policy, McGill University, who is appearing as an individual. Appearing by video conference, we have Hal Singer, managing director of Econ One. We also have Philip Palmer, president of Internet Society, Canada chapter, by video conference.
Clerk, I don't see Mr. Palmer.