I take it the meeting is already underway. Thank you, Mr. Cannis.
I'm sorry to be a few minutes late.
We have scheduled witnesses from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. I think we'll just dive right in. I will ask our witnesses to begin with a brief opening and an explanation of the workings of the department, particularly for our new members. Then we will open it to questioning on the basis that we established at the previous meeting.
With that, let me introduce Ken Sunquist, who is assistant deputy minister, Asia and Africa, and our chief trade commissioner; as well as Stewart Beck, who is assistant deputy minister, international business development, investment and innovation. Thank you, gentlemen, for coming.
I would turn it over to you, if you'd like to begin with some opening remarks and a general overview of the department.