I call our meeting to order. This is meeting number 54, and we are studying the thalidomide survivors contribution program.
I welcome our guests.
Members, I want to say initially that we've passed around the list of witnesses who we invited to appear, because there was some question about why they didn't appear. There were several who were not able to. We've provided that list to members so you would understand why they're not here.
We do have excellent witnesses today. First I want to introduce them, and then we'll ask them to make an initial presentation.
We'll start with Canada's Still Forgotten Thalidomide Survivors, represented by Terry Bolton, the founding member. We also have with us Mr. Douglas Levesque, appearing as an individual. Joining us by video conference from Sweden is Mr. Ralph Edwards, professor in medicine.
We're going to start with the two witnesses here at the table. Then we'll invite Mr. Edwards to make a presentation. Each presenter has a maximum of 10 minutes for an opening statement. Then we will move to questions.
Mr. Bolton, would you like to make an opening statement?