I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to the second meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology.
Pursuant to Standing Order 106(4), the committee is meeting at the request of four members of the committee to discuss their request to undertake a study on critical minerals.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House Order of November 25, 2021. Members may attend in person or by using the Zoom application.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind all participants of this meeting that screenshots or taking photos of your screen is not permitted.
Given the ongoing pandemic situation and in light of the recommendations from public health authorities, as well as the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on October 19, 2021, to remain healthy and safe, the following is recommended for all those attending the meeting in person. Anyone with symptoms should participate by Zoom and not attend the meeting in person. Everyone must maintain physical distancing of two metres, whether seated or standing. Everyone must wear a non-medical mask when circulating in the room. It is recommended in the strongest possible terms that members wear their masks at all times, including when seated. Everyone present must maintain proper hand hygiene by using the hand sanitizer at the room entrance. Committee rooms are cleaned before and after each meeting. To assist with this, everyone is encouraged to clean surfaces such as the desk, chair and microphone with the disinfectant wipes provided.
As the Chair, I will be enforcing these measures to the best of my ability. I will have to do so remotely, with the help of the clerk, but I believe that we are all participating remotely today.
As for the speakers' list, please just raise your hand in the Zoom application. I feel that we are all used to that now.
I'll also give a small reminder to everyone to try to connect a little in advance of meetings going forward, just in case we have IT issues like we're having right now. That gives us time to solve them before the committee starts, so that we can be mindful of everybody's time.
The meeting has begun, and I'll open the floor, given that we received the Standing Order 106(4) request for the committee to meet.
I recognize Mr. Ed Fast.