I'd like to call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 89 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders; therefore, members are attending in person in the room as well as virtually through Zoom.
I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of members and witnesses.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name.
You may speak in the official language of your choice. Interpretation services are available.
Although this room is equipped with a powerful audio system, feedback events can occur. These can be extremely harmful to interpreters and cause serious injuries. The most common cause of sound feedback is an earpiece worn too close to a microphone.
With regard to a speaking list, the committee clerk and I will do our best to maintain a consolidated order of speaking for all members, whether they are participating virtually or in person.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, the committee will resume its study of Canada's diplomatic capacity.
I'd now like to welcome our witnesses.
From the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, we have Mr. Balkan Devlen, who, of course, is well known to many of you. He is the director of the transatlantic program at the institute.
We also have two witnesses from the Société nationale de l'Acadie. We're grateful to have Mr. Martin Théberge, president, as well as Ms. Véronique Mallet, executive director.
Mr. Devlen and one of the witnesses from the Société nationale will each have five minutes for their opening remarks, after which we will go to members for questions.
If you see me holding this up, that means we'd like you to wrap it up within 10 to 20 seconds.
We will start off with Mr. Devlen.
The floor is yours.