Thank you, Minister.
Thank you to the team of officials who were here to support you.
It has been an eventful hour. I thank you for the way you've handled it. We look forward to having you back before the committee before too long.
With that, I'm going to suspend for about three minutes to allow for a changeover to the second panel.
The meeting stands suspended.
I call the meeting back to order.
I would like to welcome the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, as well as the officials who have joined us for this second hour.
Some of them you will recognize. They have been here from the outset, but I believe we have a few additional ones: Eric Costen, associate deputy minister; Michelle Boudreau, associate assistant deputy minister, strategic policy branch; Jennifer Saxe, associate assistant deputy minister, controlled substances and cannabis branch; and, from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Nancy Hamzawi, executive vice-president.
Minister, I think this is the first time you've come before the committee. I just want to let you know the way we operate, especially when ministers are here, because it seems to be much more relevant. You are allowed to provide an answer that's equal in length to the question that you are asked. If you go longer than that, you can expect to be interrupted, but if you're asked a one-minute question, and you're interrupted after four or five seconds, I will intervene to make sure that you get a chance to have the same amount of time.
I encourage you to use the earbuds for translation, if required.
With that, welcome to the committee, Minister Saks. You have the floor for the next five minutes or less for your opening remarks.