Good afternoon, everyone. I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 53 of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
I would like to acknowledge that we are on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.
Before we get started, is there unanimous consent for the clerk to prepare a press release outlining the committee's upcoming travel to Cambridge Bay, Kugluktuk and Yellowknife next week, to be shared with local news outlets?
(Motion agreed to)
Thank you.
As with our previous meetings, today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format.
For members participating virtually, you know the rules to follow.
For everyone, before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. When speaking, please address your comments to the chair and speak slowly and clearly. When you're not speaking, your microphone should be on mute.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on November 21, 2022, the committee is resuming its study of improving the graduation rates of indigenous students.
Today, on our first panel, we welcome the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, who is here in person. As well, we have deputy minister Gina Wilson, also from Indigenous Services Canada and in person.
Of course, all of us may speak in the official language of our choice. Interpretation services are available for this meeting in French, English and Inuktitut. At the bottom of your screen, you have the choice of floor, English or French audio. I suggest you choose that language now, so you'll be ready when another language is spoken. With that, if interpretation is lost, please notify us and we'll interrupt briefly until we re-establish it.
As is the custom, Minister Hajdu, we open the floor to you for introductory remarks. I understand that you have a bit more than five minutes. I was told seven or eight minutes. In the interest of hearing your presentation, that will be fine.
After that, we'll proceed with questions.
It's over to you, Minister.