I'd like to call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 90 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 remotely through the Zoom application.
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 clerk and I will endeavour to do our best to have a speaking order that is acceptable to the members.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, the committee resumes its study of Canada's diplomatic capacity.
At this point, I would like to welcome the witnesses. We are grateful to have them before us today.
We start off with Mr. Allan Rock. As members are aware, Mr. Rock currently serves as chancellor of the University of Ottawa. By Zoom, we're grateful to have Ms. Louise Blais, diplomat-in-residence at Université Laval. We have Dr. Stéphane Roussel, professor, École nationale d'administration publique. We are also grateful to have with us today Mr. Guy Saint-Jacques, former Canadian ambassador to the People's Republic of China; and Ms. Pamela Isfeld, president, Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers.
Each of our witnesses will have five minutes for their opening remarks. We will start with you, Mr. Rock. The floor is yours.