I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number four of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.
Today and on all days, I do want to start by acknowledging that we are gathered on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people, and by expressing gratitude that we're able to do the important work of this committee on lands they've stewarded since time immemorial.
This meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. Pursuant to the Standing Orders, members may participate in person or on Zoom.
Before we continue, I would like to ask all in-person participants to consult the guidelines written on the cards on the table. These measures are in place to help prevent audio and feedback incidents and to protect the health and safety of all participants, particularly the interpreters. You will 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 the witnesses and members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
As regards the interpretation, those on Zoom can select the floor, English or French channel at the bottom of their screen. Those in the room can use their earpiece and select the desired channel.
I'll remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
If members in the room wish to speak, they must raise their hand. Members participating on Zoom must use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will do our best to maintain the speaking order.
Thank you for your patience.
With that, I would like to welcome our witnesses.
We have Todd Williams, senior director, fisheries resource management operations.
We welcome, by video conference, the following officials from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans: Maryse Lemire, fisheries management and regional aquaculture regional director, Quebec region, and Jean-Yves Savaria, regional director of science, Quebec region.
With that, we are going to go into our opening remarks, and I will turn it over to Mr. Williams.
You have five minutes for your opening remarks.