Welcome to meeting number 65 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 members and our witness.
Please wait until you have been recognized by name before you speak. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike, and please mute yourselves when you are not speaking.
Interpretation for those on Zoom is at the bottom of your screen, and you have a choice of either floor, English or French audio. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
As a reminder, all comments should be made through the chair.
Pursuant to the order of reference of Monday, February 13, 2023, the committee resumes consideration of Bill S-8, an act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, to make consequential amendments to other acts and to amend the immigration and refugee protection regulations.
It is now my great honour to welcome the sponsor of the bill in the Senate, the Honourable Hon. Peter Harder.
We are very grateful to have him here with us.
Senator, you will be provided five—