I'm calling the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 107 of the Standing Committee on International Trade.
I'd like to give you a message on avoiding audio feedback.
Before we begin, I need to ask all members and other in-person participants to consult the cards on the table for guidelines to prevent audio feedback incidents.
Please take note of the following preventative measures in place to protect the health and safety of all participants, including the interpreters. Only use a black approved earpiece. The former grey earpieces must no longer be used. Keep your earpiece away from all microphones at all times. When you are not using your earpiece, place it face down on the sticker placed on the table for this purpose.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format.
For members in the room, please raise your hand if you wish to speak. For members on Zoom, please use the "raise hand" function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can.
As a reminder, all comments are to be addressed through the chair.
If any technical issues arise, please inform us immediately. We will need to suspend to ensure that interpretation is available.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, the committee is resuming its study of the effects of American and European seafood import policies on the fishing industry in Canada.
We have with us today, from the Fisheries Council of Canada, Paul Lansbergen, president. From the Lobster Council of Canada we have Geoff Irvine, executive director, by video conference. From Louisbourg Seafoods Limited we have Damien Barry, general counsel, by video conference. From the Pacific Balance Pinniped Society we have Ken Pearce, president, by video conference. And from the Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association we have Ian MacPherson, executive director, by video conference.
Welcome to you all.
Mr. Lansbergen, I invite you to make an opening statement of up to five minutes, please.