I call this meeting to order.
I'd like to welcome everyone to meeting 31 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health. Pursuant to the order of reference of May 26, 2020, the committee is resuming its briefing on the Canadian response to the outbreak of the coronavirus.
To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to outline a few rules to follow. Interpretation in this video conference will work very much the way it does in a regular committee meeting. You have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of the floor, English or French. As you are speaking, if you plan to alternate from one language to the other, you will need also to switch the interpretation channel so that it aligns with the language you are speaking. You may want to allow for a short pause when switching languages.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name, except during questioning. The questioner will generally indicate to whom the question is directed. When you are ready to speak, you can click on the microphone icon to activate your mike. I remind you that all comments by members and witnesses should be addressed through the chair. When you're not speaking, your mike should be on mute.
I would now like to welcome our first panel of witnesses. From the Canadian Center for Vaccinology, we have Dr. Scott Halperin, director of microbiology and immunology and professor of pediatrics at Dalhousie University. From the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association, we have Mr. Jim Keon, president, and Mr. Peter Hardwick, chief commercial officer and executive vice-president of Apotex. From Innovative Medicines Canada, we have Ms. Pamela Fralick, president, and Mr. Dion Neame, country medical lead for Sanofi Canada.
With that, we will go to witness statements. Each group will have up to 10 minutes to make a statement.
We will start with the Canadian Center for Vaccinology.
Please go ahead, Dr. Halperin, for 10 minutes.