Good morning, everyone. We're going to get started very soon.
I think we have everyone present, so there's no time like right now. I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 10 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. Today is November 17. I'd like to start the meeting by providing some information following the motion that was adopted in the House on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.
The committee is now sitting in hybrid format, meaning that members can participate either in person or by video conference.
Most of this information is now for the benefit of our witnesses. Witnesses must appear, as they know, by video conference, as they're appearing today.
All members, regardless of the method of participation, will be counted for the purposes of quorum. The committee's power to sit is, however, limited by priority use of the House resources, which is determined by the whips. All questions must be decided by recorded vote unless the committee disposes of them with unanimous consent or on division. Finally, the committee may deliberate in camera provided that it takes into account the potential risks to confidentiality inherent in such deliberations with remote participants.
Today's proceedings, just like usual, are going to be made available via the website of the House of Commons. They're being webcast. The entirety of the committee will not be shown—only the member speaking. If you need to take a drink of water or have a little snack, it's okay.
For those participating virtually, you know the rules by now. Raise a point of order if you want to speak outside of your regular speaking time. You can do that by unmuting your mike and stating that you have a point of order. If somebody wants to speak to that point of order, please use the “raise hand” function in the toolbar.
If you're participating in person, the clerk will help us maintain a speaking list. We're talking to each other on the side so that we know what's happening in the room and with those participating virtually at the same time.