I now call this meeting to order. Good afternoon.
Welcome to meeting number 32 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of June 23, 2022. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
For those participating virtually, I'd like to outline a few rules to follow.
You may speak in the official language of your choice. Interpretation services are available.
I think it's only members attending via Zoom, so I think they know how to use the Zoom features, so I won't go too much into that.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. If you are here via video conference, please click on the microphone icon to unmute yourself. For those in the room, your mike will be controlled as normal by the proceedings and verification officer.
I will remind you that all comments by members should be addressed through the chair. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly, and when you are not speaking, your mike should be on mute.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and a motion adopted by the committee on January 20, 2022, the committee is commencing its study on North Atlantic right whales.
With us today are witnesses from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans: Mr. Adam Burns, acting assistant deputy minister, fisheries and harbour management, and of course no stranger to the committee; and Brett Gilchrist, director, national programs, fisheries and harbour management.
Thank you for taking time to appear. You have five minutes for an opening statement when you're ready.
I would also like to welcome Mr. Bezan by Zoom; he's a new member to the committee. As well, I'd like to welcome Mr. Drouin, who is joining us in person as a substitute today.
Again, five minutes are yours.