I'd like to bring this meeting to order. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee is commencing its study of Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic.
Appearing before us this afternoon to get us started on a positive note, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development is Alan Kessel, Assistant Deputy Minister, Legal Affairs and Legal Adviser. We also have Alison LeClaire, Senior Arctic Official—it seems like I've met Alison many times before—and, of course, Shawn Steil, whom who we all know from our travels to Kazakhstan.
You now have a different position, Shawn, so I have to stop saying that, because it puts you in a box of something you're not. He's now the executive director of greater China, which is a bit different.
Welcome to the committee. I understand that we've got it all sorted out with the clerk. Mr. Kessel will start, and we'll work our way across.
Mr. Kessel, the floor is yours.