I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 127 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. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel. Please address all comments through the chair.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and a motion adopted on February 8, 2024, the committee is resuming its study of derelict and abandoned vessels.
Welcome to our witnesses on the first panel.
We have in the room Mr. Richard Welsford, president of Port of Bridgewater Incorporated. On Zoom, we have Ian Winn, director of the Átl'ḵa7tsem or Howe Sound UNESCO biosphere region. We also have Mr. Leonard Lee, the board chair and director of Area A, Egmont and Pender Harbour, Sunshine Coast Regional District.
Thank you for taking time to appear today. You will each have five minutes or less for your opening statements.
Mr. Welsford, you can go first, please.
Yes, Mr. Kelloway...?