Good afternoon, everyone. I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 33 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Pursuant to the order of reference of the House of Commons on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the committee is meeting on Bill C-219, an act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), the Special Economic Measures Act and the Broadcasting Act.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
I would now like to welcome our witness, the sponsor of Bill C-219, James Bezan, the member of Parliament for Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman.
Up to five minutes will be given for opening remarks, after which we will proceed with rounds of questions from our colleagues.
I now invite you, Mr. Bezan, to make your statement of up to five minutes.
Welcome.