Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you for inviting us to appear before this committee today to speak to Bill C‑25, which focuses on strong and free elections.
My name is Cathy Hawara. I'm the assistant secretary to cabinet responsible for the machinery of government and democratic institutions, and I'm pleased to be here today with Rachel Pereira, who is a director in the Privy Council Office's democratic institutions secretariat.
As the chair mentioned, the minister will be joining us at 12 this afternoon to speak to Bill C-25. Until then, we are very pleased to answer any questions that the members of the committee might have on the bill in advance of his appearance.
Mr. Chair, we're happy to take any questions.