Good afternoon, committee members.
As you know, we were delayed for a vote, but the clerk has advised me that we have quorum, and we will call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 19 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development, and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
I'm going to dispense with the rest of the introductory items. I expect everybody to follow the health protocols that have been approved by the House of Commons. I would remind members who are appearing virtually that if you want to get my attention, please use the “raise hand” icon. For those members in the room, simply raise your hand. As you know, please speak clearly and slowly so that the interpreters are able to interpret accurately for the benefit of the committee.
With that, at this time, I want to welcome Tara Collins, the 2018 Centennial Flame Research Award recipient, to begin our discussion with five minutes of opening remarks, followed by questions. For the question period, we will simply be following an informal process, not the normal questioning allocation. Any member of the committee who has a question for Ms. Collins, simply raise your hand and I will recognize you in order so that everybody gets a chance to question Ms. Collins.
Ms. Collins, if you're ready, please begin with your opening statement. Thank you for being patient and waiting while committee members did the business of the House, which was to vote in the commons. Ms. Collins, the floor is yours.