I call the meeting to order. For those of you who believe in the motto “better late than never”, I am certainly glad to get this committee meeting number 42 going.
I want to welcome everybody back. I hope everybody had a great Christmas and holiday break, and I wish everyone a healthy and happy new year. It's great to see familiar faces, not only those around this table but of course those of all the folks who sit in the wings and support us as well. It's great to see all of you.
We have a continuation of our study on the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act, more affectionately known as SCISA. Today we have with us witnesses who have been waiting very patiently. On behalf of my colleagues, I just want to say that it's very understandable why there's a bit of delay today. A couple of seasoned colleagues in the House of Commons are doing their farewell speeches. I think members were sticking around for that. We can't fault them for that. There are a lot of friendships and good relations across party lines for those kinds of things here.
Without further ado, I will introduce our three witnesses. I'd ask you to give your testimony in the order in which I introduce you. You have up to 10 minutes for your opening remarks. Then we'll immediately proceed to questions and answers.
From OpenMedia, we are joined by video conference by Ms. Laura Tribe, who is the executive director. Welcome.
From the Canadian Bar Association, we have Mr. David Elder, executive member of the privacy and access law section. Also, of course, as an individual, we have Mr. David Fraser, who is a partner at McInnes Cooper.
Ms. Tribe, the floor is yours for up to 10 minutes please.