I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 28 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
Colleagues, I understand that we are anticipating bells to ring to summon us to a vote at 5:15 eastern. When the bells start to ring, I will be asking for the unanimous consent of the committee to continue until our appointed hour, which is 5:30. I just wanted to give you a heads-up for that. Our hope is that we'll get in the full two hours—if needed. The second half of today's meeting is drafting instructions.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of January 25, 2021. The proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website. The webcast will always show the person speaking, rather than the entirety of the committee.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, the committee will resume its study of the review of the employment insurance program.
I'd like to welcome our witnesses to begin our discussion with five minutes of opening remarks followed by rounds of questions. We have with us today, from Canada's Building Trades Unions, Sean Strickland, executive director. From the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, we have Leah Nord, senior director, workforce strategies and inclusive growth. From the Workers' Action Centre, we have Pam Frache, organizer.
For the benefit of those witnesses, I'd like to make a few additional comments. Interpretation for this video conference will work very much like a regular committee meeting. You have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of the floor, English or French. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly, and when you're not speaking, your mike should be on mute.
With that, we're going to begin with Mr. Strickland for five minutes.
Welcome to the committee, Mr. Strickland. You have the floor.