Good evening, everyone.
Allow me, first of all, to apologize. I'm losing my voice, so I ask for your indulgence.
I want to welcome you to meeting number 34 of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
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, as well as remotely using the Zoom application.
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. Those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking. Interpretation for those on Zoom is at the bottom of the screen, and you have a choice of either the floor, English or French. Those in the room can use the earpiece and select the desired channel. I will remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, the committee is resuming its study of the extreme flooding in Pakistan.
It is now my pleasure to welcome, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, the Honourable Minister Sajjan, Minister of International Development
We also have here with the minister his officials: Mr. Christopher MacLennan, deputy minister of international development; Ms. Tara Carney, acting director general, international humanitarian assistance; Ms. Cam Do, director general, innovative and climate finance bureau; and lastly, Mr. Christopher Gibbins, executive director, Afghanistan-Pakistan division.
Minister, you will be provided a maximum of five minutes for your remarks, after which we will proceed to a round of questions. I will signal to you when you have merely a minute remaining.
Minister, the floor is yours.