I call the meeting to order.
Committee members, attention, please, as we are going to begin today's meeting. The clerk has advised me that we have a quorum and that the witnesses appearing virtually have been tested, and all have been approved.
This is meeting number 127 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, meaning members, as well as witnesses, are appearing virtually.
I would like to make a few comments before we begin.
Please direct all questions through me, the chair. Wait until I recognize you by name before you speak.
To get my attention, for those in the room, please raise your hand. For those appearing virtually, use the “raise hand” icon at the bottom of your screen.
You have the option to participate in the official language of your choice. In the room, interpretation services are available, using your headset. For those appearing virtually, click on the globe icon at the bottom of your screen and select the language of your choice.
If there is an interruption in interpretation, please get my attention. We'll suspend while it is being corrected.
As well, here is a reminder for all those participating in the room—and I'll be the first—to please turn off any alarms on your devices before the meeting begins, and refrain from tapping the mic. It does cause popping, which can be harmful to the interpreters.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, February 8, 2024, the committee resumes its study of Canada without barriers by 2040.
Before I introduce the witnesses, we have some new members joining us today. We have Mrs. Stubbs, Mr. Majumdar, and Madame Bérubé. Welcome. Bienvenue.
From Level Playing Field Incorporated, we have Thea Kurdi, accessibility educator and policy strategist, by video conference.
From March of Dimes Canada, we have Amanda MacKenzie, national director, external affairs, by video conference.
From the Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility, we have Christopher Sutton, chief executive officer, also by video conference.
Each of you will have five minutes for opening comments.
We'll begin the five-minute opening comments with Mr. Sutton.