Welcome back, everyone.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, the committee will now commence its study of Canada's diplomatic capacity, otherwise known as the future of diplomacy study.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of members and our esteemed witnesses.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name.
If you are participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute your microphone when you are not speaking. If you are in the room, on the other hand, your mic will be controlled by the proceedings and verification officer.
You may speak in the official language of your choice. Interpretation services are available. You have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of floor, English or French. If interpretation is lost, please inform me immediately.
In accordance with the committee’s routine motion concerning connection tests for witnesses, I have been informed by the clerk that the two witnesses who are joining us virtually have completed the required connection tests in advance of our meeting.
Now I'd like to welcome our esteemed guests.
First we have, here in person, Professor Mark Kersten, who is with the University of the Fraser Valley and the Wayamo Foundation.
We're very pleased to have two additional witnesses, who are joining us virtually. We have Professor Chapnick, a professor of defence studies at the Canadian Forces College. We also have Professor Welsh, a professor of global governance and security at McGill University.
Each of our witnesses will be provided with five minutes for opening remarks. Then we will go to the members for any questions they may have.
Professor Kersten, since you're here in person, you have the floor. You have five minutes.