Welcome to meeting number 27 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the committee is meeting on Syria's political transition.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format pursuant to the Standing Orders.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking. For those on Zoom, at the bottom of your screen, you can make a selection for the appropriate channel for interpretation, floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
All comments should be addressed through the chair.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses for the first hour.
From the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, we have Gregory Galligan, ambassador of Canada to Lebanon and Syria, who is joining us today by video conference, and Stefanie McCollum, director general of the Middle East, who is appearing in person.
Welcome to you both.
I would like to thank Ambassador Galligan. We understand that your diplomatic mission is among the most in demand at present, and we really appreciate your participation in today's meeting.
Up to five minutes will be given for opening remarks, after which we will proceed with rounds of questions from members of the committee.
I now invite Ambassador Galligan to make an opening statement.