I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 110 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. This meeting is taking place in a hybrid format pursuant to the Standing Orders.
Before we proceed, I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of witnesses and members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking, and please address all comments through the chair.
I would like to remind all members in the room of the following important measures to prevent disruptive and potentially harmful audio feedback incidents that can cause injuries.
All in-person participants are reminded to keep their earpieces away from all microphones at all times.
As indicated in the communiqué from the Speaker to all members on Monday, April 29, the following measures have been taken to help prevent audio feedback incidents.
All earpieces have been replaced by a model that greatly reduces the probability of audio feedback. The new earpieces are black, whereas the former earpieces were grey. Please use only a black, approved earpiece. By default, all unused earpieces will be unplugged at the start of the meeting. When you are not using your earpiece, please place it face down on the middle of the sticker for this purpose on the table, as you will see indicated. Please consult the cards on the table for guidelines to prevent audio feedback incidents.
The room layout has been adjusted to increase the distance between microphones and to reduce the chance of feedback from an ambient earpiece.
These measures are in place so that we can conduct our business without interruption and to protect the health and safety of all participants, including our interpreters.
Thanks to all of you for your co-operation.
Pursuant to Standing Order 81(4), the committee is beginning its study of main estimates 2024-25, votes 1, 5 and 10 under the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Before we start with the minister, I want to let the committee know that we will take possibly a 10-minute break for the minister to have a bit of a break between the two hours, but during that time, we'll do some committee business.
We will start by welcoming Minister Lebouthillier back to committee again and the officials who are with her.
Minister, you have five minutes for your opening statement, when you're ready.