I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 129 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health.
Before we begin, I would like to ask all in-person participants to read the guidelines written on the cards on the table. These measures are in place to prevent audio and feedback incidents and to protect the health and safety of all participants, including the interpreters.
In accordance with our routine motion, I am 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'd like to welcome our panel of witnesses. Online, appearing as an individual all the way from Somalia, we have Dr. Sumantra Monty Ghosh. In person, we have with us Dr. Rakesh Patel, associate professor and medical director.
Thank you both for being with us. We normally have a larger panel, but this is to our benefit and to yours because we'll have more time for a conversation with each of you.
We're going to begin with you, Dr. Ghosh. Welcome to the committee. Thanks for making the effort to be hooked up from so far away. We have five minutes for opening statements.
You now have the floor, Doctor.