I call the meeting to order. Welcome to meeting number 21 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates.
Today the committee will be continuing its study of air defence procurement projects. 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 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 participating virtually or in person. I'd like to take this opportunity to remind all participants that during this meeting screenshots or taking photos of your screen are not permitted. Given the ongoing pandemic situation and in light of the recommendation of the public health authorities as well as the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on October 19, 2021, to remain healthy and safe the following is recommended to all those attending the meeting in person.
Anyone with symptoms should participate by Zoom and not attend the meeting in person. Everyone must maintain a 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 masks 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 by using the hand sanitizer at the door. Committee rooms are cleaned before and after each meeting. To maintain this, everyone is encouraged to clean the surfaces of their desk, their chair and their microphones with provided disinfectant wipes, whether you're vacating or taking a seat.
As the chair, I will enforce these measures for the duration of the meeting and I thank members in advance for their co-operation.
Before we start, I'd like to say that the committee has the expectation that all witnesses will be open about any potential conflict of interest they may have. This is to ensure that the committee can fully understand the context of the testimony it is about to receive. If you feel that your testimony may be coloured by a previous or current interest, I invite the witnesses to disclose this during their opening statements.
I'd like to welcome Mr. Valois of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. You have five minutes to make your opening statement, sir.