I call this meeting to order.
Before we begin, I'm sure you will join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. Following last night's tragic helicopter accident off the coast of Greece. To our fellow military families, we are with you.
Welcome to meeting number 11 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. Pursuant to the order of reference of Saturday, April 11, the committee is meeting for the purpose of receiving evidence concerning matters related to the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today's meeting is taking place via video conference and the proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website.
Members and witnesses, I would like to remind you that, before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. When you are ready to speak, please unmute your microphone and then return to mute when you are finished. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly so that the interpreters can do their work. As per my normal practice, I will hold up the yellow card when you have 30 seconds left in your intervention, and the red card when your time for questions has expired.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses. With us today we have the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry; Mr. Simon Kennedy, deputy minister of the Department of Industry; and Mr. Paul Thompson, associate deputy minister, Department of Industry.
Minister Bains, you have 10 minutes to present, after which we will move to the rounds of questions. The floor is yours.