I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number five of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3), the committee is meeting in public on the actions of the longest ballot committee in recent Canadian elections.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
Before we continue, 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. You will also notice a QR code on the card, which links to a short awareness video.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of the members. All comments should be addressed through the chair. For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.
Just as a housekeeping note, the Subcommittee on Private Members’ Business is meeting in the room at 1:15, so I will be fairly strict on our ending this meeting at one o'clock.
I would like to welcome our witnesses for today’s first panel. As an individual, we have Peter Loewen, Harold Tanner Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University, by video conference; and Mr. Tomas Szuchewycz, an official agent for the longest ballot committee.
Each witness will have five minutes to deliver opening remarks. Then we'll proceed to questions and answers.
Mr. Loewen, you have five minutes, please.