Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to meeting No. 11 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, January 20, 2022, the committee is meeting to study the Mandate Letters of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Minister of Rural Economic Development, and the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House Order of Thursday, November 25, 2021. Members may attend in person or remotely using the Zoom application. I note that some of our colleagues are participating in the meeting virtually. Those who are here in Ottawa are familiar with the health rules in effect, and I encourage them to follow them.
I am pleased to welcome the honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, and the honourable Mary Ng,Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development.
With them are Sara Wilshaw, Chief Trade Commissioner and Assistant Deputy Minister, International Business Development, Investment and Innovation at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, and Simon Kennedy and Francis Bilodeau, Deputy Minister and Associate Deputy Minister, respectively, at the Department of Industry.
Thank you for being with us today.
Without further delay, I yield the floor to Mr. Champagne, who will be followed by Ms. Ng and Ms. Hutchings.