I call this meeting to order.
Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to meeting No. 52 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.
I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is taking place on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe 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 of Commons order of June 23, 2022. Some members are attending in person, and others are attending remotely using the Zoom application.
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 participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon at the bottom of your screen to activate your mike, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
For those on Zoom, you have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of floor, English or French. There is a little round globe icon. That is your interpretation icon. For those in the room, obviously, you can use the earpiece and select your desired English or French channel.
As a reminder, all comments should be made through the chair.
I will ask the clerk to clarify and confirm that all witnesses have completed the required connections tests and that they are using House of Commons devices. We have had an accident with a non-House of Commons device used by a witness, and we don't want a repeat of that.
Can you confirm that for me, Madam Clerk?