I call this meeting to order.
Welcome, everyone, to meeting number 13 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3), the committee is meeting for its study of challenges regarding special ballot voting.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room and, potentially, remotely by using the Zoom application.
Before I continue, I would ask all in-person participants to consult the guidelines written on the back of the cards on the table. There's a QR code that links to a video. It's important to protect the health and safety of everyone present, especially our interpreters.
I'll make a few comments for the benefit of members. I remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair—that's me. For members in the room, if you wish to speak, raise your hand. For members on Zoom, if there are any, please use the “raise hand” function. For witnesses on Zoom, you've all been told about the translation feature, as questions will be asked in both official languages.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses for today's panel. We have Élise Fraysse, associate professor; Toby James, professor of politics and public policy, the University of East Anglia, Norwich; Therese Pearce Laanela, head of electoral processes at International IDEA; and Holly Ann Garnett, class of 1965 professor of leadership, Royal Military College of Canada.
Each witness has up to five minutes to make their opening statement.
I start with Professor Fraysse for five minutes, please.