I call the meeting to order. Welcome to meeting 121 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health.
Before we begin, I ask all members and other in-person participants to consult the cards on the table for guidelines to prevent audio feedback incidents. Please take note of the following preventative measures in order to protect the health and safety of all participants, including the interpreters. Use only the approved, black earpiece. The former grey earpieces must no longer be used. Keep your earpiece away from the microphones at all times. When you're not using your earpiece, place it face down on the sticker placed on the table for this purpose. Thank you for your co-operation.
In accordance with our routine motion, I'm informing the committee that all remote participants have completed the required connection tests in advance of the meeting.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on November 8, 2023, the committee is resuming its study of the opioid epidemic and toxic drug crisis in Canada.
I welcome our panel of witnesses. We have, as an individual, Guy Felicella, harm reduction and recovery expert, by video conference; Dr. David Tu, medical doctor, Kílala Lelum Health and Wellness Cooperative, by video conference; from the Government of Alberta, Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction; and from the Institute for Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies, Dr. João Goulão, by video conference.
Thank you all for attending.
We start with opening statements. You each have five minutes. Should you wish to look at me, I will hold up a one-minute card when you have a minute left. I like to run the committee on time, given my former military background. We'll try to stick with that.
Given that, Mr. Felicella, you have the floor for five minutes.