I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 42 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3), the committee is meeting to resume its study of artificial intelligence and Canada's democratic institutions.
Today's meeting is taking place in public in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. I don't think anyone is online. All members are here in person.
I would ask all in-person participants to consult the guidelines written on the cards on the table. These measures are in place to help prevent audio and feedback incidents and to protect the health and safety of all participants, including the interpreters. I would like to remind all witnesses that committee members, as you know, may ask questions in English and in French. If you need interpretation, please take a moment to familiarize yourself, but you are frequent flyers and you know what to do.
As a reminder, all comments should be addressed through the chair. If you wish to speak, raise your hand. The clerk and I will do our best to recognize you.
Before we begin, I'd like to take care of a quick administrative item. The clerk has circulated a draft budget. Is there any opposition or concern?
I see thumbs up and nods, so it is by consent that the draft budget is passed.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses. They are familiar faces: Eric Janse, Clerk of the House of Commons; Natalie Foster, clerk assistant and co-chair of the House of Commons AI working group; and Christopher Henry, director general of digital enablement and innovation and co-chair of the House of Commons AI working group.
I understand that Mr. Janse will deliver a five-minute opening statement. Then we will proceed to rounds of questions.
Mr. Janse, please proceed.