Good evening. I would like to call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number three of the Special Joint Committee on the Declaration of Emergency, created pursuant to the order of the House of March 2, 2022, and of the Senate on March 3, 2022.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of November 25, 2021.
I would like to remind all those present in the room to please follow the recommendations of the public health authorities, as well as the directives of the Board of Internal Economy, to maintain health and safety.
Should any technical issues arise, please advise me, as we may need to suspend for a few minutes to ensure that all members are able to participate fully.
Witnesses should also be aware that translation is available through the globe icon at the bottom of their screen or through the earpieces that are provided here in the room.
Before I turn it over for the first round of opening remarks, I would like to offer, for the benefit of the witnesses, that each time allocation to the members of this committee is strictly timed. It may be the case that from time to time, a member may intervene in order to request that they move on to their next question. Please know that this interruption is merely meant to protect their available time in order that they may gain insights they require for the purpose of the study. Should you not have the appropriate time to respond in full, I invite you to provide any supplementary remarks to the committee in writing.
To the members of this committee, this is a gentle reminder to place all questions through the chair, so as not to engage in any debate directly with the witnesses.
With that being said, I would like to welcome our first witnesses this evening.
From the Senate, we have Mr. Philippe Hallée, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel; and from the House of Commons, we have Mr. Philippe Dufresne, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel.
You will each have five minutes for your opening remarks.
Mr. Hallée, the floor is yours.