I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 15 of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.
I want to start by acknowledging that we are gathered on the ancestral, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people, and I express gratitude that we're able to do the important work of this committee on lands they've stewarded since time immemorial.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee is meeting to continue its study on the review of the Fisheries Act.
Today's meeting is taking place in hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely via Zoom.
Before we continue, I would like to ask that all in-person participants consult the guidelines written on the cards on the table. These measures are in place to prevent audio and feedback incidents and to protect the health and safety of all participants, particularly the interpreters. You'll also notice a QR code on the card, which links to a short awareness video.
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 interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen: floor, English or French.
For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
This is a reminder that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For members on Zoom—there are a lot of them today—please use the “raise hand” function.
The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can. We appreciate your patience.
With that, I would like to welcome our witnesses.
We have Shannon O'Connor, deputy director of public prosecutions, and Emma Beauchamp, director and general counsel, both from the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.
We also have Hannah Rogers, director general, environmental enforcement, from the Department of the Environment.
We are going to start with opening statements from the witnesses for five minutes or less, beginning with Ms. O'Connor.