Good afternoon, everyone.
I call this meeting to order. Welcome to meeting number 17 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health. Today we will meet for two hours to hear from witnesses on our study of the Canada’s health workforce.
Before I introduce today’s witnesses, I have a few regular reminders for hybrid meetings. Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of November 25, 2021. Per the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on March 10, 2022, all those attending the meeting in person must wear a mask, except for members who are at their place during proceedings.
I have a few comments for the benefits of the witnesses. Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference—which I believe is all of the witnesses—click on the microphone icon to activate your mike and please mute yourself when you are not speaking. Interpretation is available on the bottom of your screen. You can choose floor, English or French.
I'll remind you that comments are to be addressed through the chair. Please refrain from taking screenshots or photos of your screen. The proceedings today will be made available via the House of Commons website.
In accordance with our routine motion, I am now informing the committee that all witnesses have completed the required connection tests in advance of the meeting.
Today we have with us, as individuals, Dr. David Gratzer, physician and attending psychiatrist, and Dr. Arjun Sahgal, professor of radiation oncology.
From the Canadian Federation of Medical Students, we have Santanna Hernandez, president, and Montana Hackett, director of government affairs.
We also have with us Dr. Anne‑Louise Boucher, director of planning and regionalization, and Mr. Pierre Belzile, director of legal affairs, both with the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec
From Health Intelligence Inc., we have Dr. David Peachey, principal, and from Sheridan College, we have Dr. Janet Morrison, president and vice chancellor.
Thank you to all of our esteemed witnesses and panellists for being with us here today and for taking the time to impart upon us some wisdom and advice as we endeavour to make recommendations to the Government of Canada with respect to Canada's health workforce. We're going to begin with opening remarks from each witness in the order they appear on the notice of meeting.
Please limit your remarks to five minutes.
With we're going to start with you, Dr. Gratzer. You have the floor for the next five minutes. Welcome to the committee.