I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 65 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.
I would like to acknowledge that this meeting is taking place on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.
As you know, the meeting is going to be hybrid, as we have been continuing according to the House of Commons order adopted on June 23, 2022.
Even though it is not mandated to wear masks, I would like to remind the committee that it is advisable, since the World Health Organization has reiterated that this is still a pandemic of COVID. Those of you who are in Ontario know that there have been lots of cases going to the emergency room, so it's just a good idea to protect yourself and your colleagues.
Please remember not to take screenshots of the meeting or of the video.
I want to remind you to please address anything that you have to say through the chair, and do not speak until the chair recognizes you by name. It's as simple as that.
Those of you who are witnesses know how to access interpretation. There is a little button next to you, and you can access interpretation in English or in French.
I'm going to begin now by welcoming the witnesses from the Department of Canadian Heritage: Mala Khanna, associate deputy minister, and Charles Slowey, assistant deputy minister, community and identity.
As you know, we would like to begin the discussion of the Canadian Heritage's contract with the Community Media Advocacy Centre.
I would inform the witnesses that they have five minutes. It isn't five minutes each; it's five minutes for your group, so you may decide who speaks when and how. I will give you a heads-up when you have about a minute or 30 seconds to go. I will say it out loud, because I know that sometimes you're reading and can't see me if I hold up a card.
I welcome the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Mrs. Khanna, please begin for five minutes.