I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 117 of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. All witnesses have completed the required audio tests in advance of our meeting.
I'd like to remind the participants, whether they be members or witnesses, to please wait until I recognize them by name before they speak. All comments should be addressed to the chair.
Also, we have the list of members who'd like to ask questions.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee will continue its study of the war in Ukraine.
I'd like to remind members that the officials will be with us today until noon. Unfortunately, no additional witnesses could confirm their appearance for today's meeting.
I'd now like to take this opportunity to welcome our distinguished witnesses.
From the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, we have Mr. Alexandre Lévêque, the assistant deputy minister for the Europe, Middle East and Arctic branch.
We have Ms. Alison Grant, the director general of international security policy and strategic affairs bureau. We also have Ms. Marie-Josée Langlois, the director general of the sanctions bureau.
Mr. Lévêque, I understand your opening remarks are for 10 minutes. The floor is yours, after which we will open it up to the members for questions. Please do look at me every once in a while. Once you see this signal, it means you should be wrapping it up within 15 seconds.
All of that having been explained, Mr. Lévêque, the floor is yours, and you have 10 minutes.