Indeed we should, Dr. Martin. Thank you.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motions adopted by the committee on May 8 and May 13, I'd like to welcome you to this briefing session on harm reduction programs in Canada. We're very happy you're here, and we're looking forward very much to all your presentations, with particular focus on the safe injection site in Vancouver.
I'd like to take one minute to go over the schedule for today's meeting. Until approximately 10:40 a.m. we will be hearing the presentations from the witnesses present in this room. From 10:45 to 10:55 we will be hearing from our other two witnesses by video conference. From 10:55 to 11:45 we will proceed with questions from members, and from 11:50 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Minister of Health will appear before the committee.
I would like to welcome all the witnesses who are here with us today, and I'd like to thank you for travelling all the way from British Columbia. It's a long way.
We have with us Dr. Thomas Kerr, research scientist with the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. We have Inspector Scott Thompson from the Vancouver Police Department. We have Mr. Donald MacPherson, the drug policy coordinator with the City of Vancouver. We have Ms. Liz Evans, executive director, PHS Community Services Society; Mr. Philip Owen, former mayor of the City of Vancouver; Ms. Heather Hay, regional director, Vancouver Coastal Health; and Dr. Colin Mangham, director of research, Drug Prevention Network of Canada.
Let's begin with Inspector Thompson.
I have to tell you that you each have five minutes for your presentation, and then we'll go into questions after hearing all the witnesses.
Go ahead, Inspector Thompson.