I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to the fourth meeting of the House of Commons Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic.
At the outset, I wanted to say a few words to once again thank all of the staff of the House Administration who have been working so hard to set up the virtual and in-person meetings of the committee and to all members for their patience and co-operation.
Yesterday's virtual meeting saw fewer technical issues arise than during our first meeting, and I am convinced that, as we all become familiar with this new technology, the proceedings will continue to go smoothly.
Pursuant to the order of reference of Monday, April 20, the committee is meeting today for the purpose of considering ministerial announcements, allowing members to present petitions, questioning ministers of the Crown, including the Prime Minister, in respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a take-note debate considering a motion that the committee take note of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Today's proceedings will be televised in the same way as is typical of the House.
We'll now proceed to ministerial announcements. A minister of the Crown may make a short statement, and a member of each of the recognized parties as well as a member of the Green Party may then comment briefly on the response.
We'll go to Ms. Freeland.