I call the meeting to order.
Greetings, everybody, and welcome.
It's so nice to hear other people enjoying the nice weather and seeing that around. If you want to come to Saskatchewan, you're welcome to deal with the snow that we're dealing with there, but that's okay; we'll leave that alone.
Welcome to meeting number 16 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates.
Today we will hear from the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and officials regarding the main estimates 2022-23, the departmental plans and her mandate letter.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of November 25, 2021. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely by using the Zoom application.
Regarding the speaking list, the committee clerk and I will do the best we can to maintain a consolidated order of speaking for all members, whether they're participating virtually or here in person.
I'd like to take this opportunity to remind all participants of this meeting that taking screenshots or photos of your screen is not permitted.
Given the ongoing pandemic situation and in light of the recommendations from public health authorities, as well as the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on October 19, 2021, and to remain healthy and safe, the following are recommended for all those attending the meeting in person.
Anyone with symptoms should participate by Zoom and not attend the meeting in person. Everyone must maintain two-metre physical distancing whether seated or standing. Everyone must wear a non-medical mask when circulating in the room. It is recommended in the strongest possible terms that members wear their mask at all times, including when seated. Non-medical masks, which provide better clarity over cloth masks, are available in the room.
Everyone present must maintain proper hand hygiene using the hand sanitizer at the room entrance. Committee rooms are cleaned before and after each meeting, but to help us maintain this, we encourage everybody to clean the surfaces such as their desks, their chair and their microphone with the provided disinfectant wipes when vacating or taking a seat.
As the chair, I will be enforcing these measures for the duration of the meeting. I thank members in advance for their co-operation.
I thank those who have come today for dealing with the brief technical issues we have had. I appreciate your bearing with us. It's nice to have everybody here officially. That's why it's helpful if people can show up at least five or 10 minutes early so we can do that and start on time.
With that said, I would like to welcome the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and her colleagues. I would invite the minister to make her opening statement.
Go ahead, please.