I'd like to call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 73 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Before I make a few points, I would like to welcome some new members we have this session. I want to welcome the Honourable Omar Alghabra to the committee. I want to welcome Ms. Sophie Chatel to our committee. Ms. Élisabeth Brière is here on behalf of another member, but welcome nonetheless. It's great to have you today. We have one new member, as I understand, who is someone we've previously had the privilege of working with in this committee. He is now back. That is Mr. Ziad Aboultaif. Welcome, Mr. Aboultaif. I think that takes care of the members.
In addition to that, I'm sure you have all noticed that we do have a new clerk. We're very grateful to have Ms. Danielle Widmer with us for this session. She is a grizzled veteran, if I may say so. It's great to have you here.
In terms of analysts, we are very fortunate that we have the same analysts we've previously had. Mr. Siekierski, B.J., is here today. Ms. Allison Goody remains with our committee. Unfortunately, today she isn't feeling well.
I just thought I would provide those preliminary remarks.
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 and remotely using the Zoom application.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of our witnesses as well as the members.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike. Please mute yourself when you are not speaking. For those in the room, your mike will be controlled as normal by the proceedings and verification officer. You may speak in the official language of your choice. Interpretation services are available for this meeting.
Although this room is equipped with a powerful audio system, feedback events can occur. These can be extremely harmful to the interpreters and can cause serious injuries. I would ask all members to be mindful of that. The most common cause of sound feedback is an earpiece being worn too close to a microphone. Please do pay attention to that.
I remind everyone that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For those participating by video conference, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order.
In accordance with the committee's routine motion concerning connection tests for witnesses, I have been informed by the clerk that all witnesses appearing virtually have completed the required connection tests in advance of the meeting.
I understand that, as a procedural matter, the first order of business is the election of vice-chairs. I will turn to the clerk to kindly take care of that issue.
