Order, please.
Mr. Del Mastro, please, I've called for order.
Mr. Lemieux, you clearly stated you wanted to ask me a question. The issue is the same one, about whether I can deal with a point of order immediately or not. This is the second time in these hearings that I've gone through it with the committee, with references to Marleau and Montpetit, chapter 13, under rules of order and decorum. It's the issue of rising on a point of order. I would encourage you to please have a look at that.
We have had a vote on that--sustaining the chair's handling of these matters. I encourage all members, if they're not sure, to please at least check with someone else before disrupting and interfering with this meeting any further. It's not in the public interest.
If it's okay with members, I'd like to proceed with the witnesses.
This morning on the agenda, four witnesses are listed. I will deal with the last one first. Mr. Jean Lecours was the official agent for Mr. Jacques Gourde, who is currently the member of Parliament for Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière. He contacted us on July 25 to say this--and I quote from the clerk's notes: “On July 25, M. Lecours called to say that, after consulting with Jacques Gourde, both of them will NOT testify before the Committee.” So Mr. Lecours is not here, and he advised us on July 25 that he would not be here.
Our other witnesses are related to the media buy. I want to welcome Mr. David Campbell, who is president and CEO of Group M Canada. It serves as the parent company for RMI, which is Retail Media. I also want to recognize Ms. Marilyn Dixon, who is the chief operating officer of RMI; and Mr. Andrew Kumpf, vice-president, broadcast operations, RMI.
I also want to introduce Mr. Malcolm Ruby. Mr. Ruby is legal counsel to our witnesses. I spoke with Mr. Ruby prior to the start of the meeting. He understands that he is welcome to be at the table and advise his clients but is not permitted to directly address the committee.
The witnesses have now been sworn in.
I can advise the committee that yesterday I dealt with a request from Retail Media to be permitted to make an opening statement not to exceed five minutes. Yesterday Mr. Goodyear raised the point that I haven't been treating all witnesses the same, so this is a slight departure. Therefore, I am going to ask for the permission of the committee to allow Retail Media to make an opening statement. Is that agreed?