I am calling the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number nine of the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House Order of September 23. The proceedings are available via the House of Commons website.
To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to outline a few rules. Members and witnesses may speak in the official language of their choice. Interpretation services are available for this meeting. You have the choice at the bottom of your screen of either the floor, English or French.
For members participating in person, proceed as you usually would when the whole committee is meeting in person in a committee room. Keep in mind the directives from the Board of Internal Economy regarding masking and health protocols.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. If you are on the video conference, please click on the microphone icon to unmute yourself. For those in the room, your microphone will be controlled as normal by the proceedings and verification officer. When you are not speaking, your mike should be on mute.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee will now proceed with the study of trade between Canada and the United Kingdom and a potential transitional trade agreement.
We welcome as our witnesses today, the Honourable Mary Ng, member of Parliament, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade; as well as Steve Verheul, the chief negotiator and assistant deputy minister, trade policy and negotiations; and Doug Forsyth, chief negotiator for the Canada-United Kingdom Transitional Trade Agreement.
Welcome to you all.
Minister Ng, a special welcome to you today. I will turn the floor over to you, Minister.