Welcome to meeting number 34 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 pursuant to the House order of June 23, 2022. Members are attending in person and remotely using the Zoom application.
In order to ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to take a few moments for the benefit of the witnesses and members to make a few comments.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. For those participating virtually, please use the “raise hand” function. Before speaking, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike. When you're done speaking, please put your mike on mute.
You may speak in the official language of your choice. Interpretation services are available for the meeting. For those participating by video conference, you have the choice of floor, English, or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I would again advise committee members and witnesses to speak slowly for the benefit of the interpretation services. I would also like to remind participants that screenshots are not permitted. Should any difficulties arise during the meeting, please advise me, and we will suspend while we correct it.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, February 3, the committee will commence its study on the supporting Black Canadian communities initiative.
The connectivity tests have been completed for all the witnesses, and we are ready to go.
I would like to welcome our witnesses to begin our discussion. Witnesses, I would remind you that you have five minutes each for your opening remarks, followed by questions from the committee members.
From the Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity and Workplace Equity, we have Nosakhare Alex Ihama, executive director. From the Nia Centre for the Arts, we have Alica Hall, executive director.
We will start with Mr. Ihama for five minutes.