I call this meeting to order. This is meeting number 11 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 November 24, 2021.
Measures regarding the use of masks in the House of Commons precinct have been extended until June 23, 2022. Please note that masks must be worn in committee rooms except when members are at their place during parliamentary proceedings. However, it is strongly recommended that members wear a mask even when they are at their place during the proceedings. All those inside the committee room should follow best practices for maintaining proper hand hygiene by using the hand sanitizer provided.
As the chair, I will enforce these measures, and I thank you for your co-operation.
To ensure an orderly meeting, please note that you may speak in the official language of your choice. At the bottom of your screen, you have the choice of either floor, English or French audio. If interpretation is lost, please inform me immediately, and we will ensure that it is properly restored before resuming the proceedings.
When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. When you're not speaking, please have your microphone on mute. Finally, I remind you that all comments go through the chair.
We are continuing our study of the Canada-United States relationship—a motion that was adopted by committee on January 31—and its impacts on the electric vehicle, softwood lumber and other sectors.
Today's meeting pertains to the softwood lumber sector.
With us today by video conference, from the Canadian Home Builders' Association, we have Kevin Lee, chief executive officer. From Meadow Lake Tribal Council Industrial Investments, we have Al Balisky, president and chief executive officer; and from Resolute Forest Products, we have Rémi Lalonde, president and chief executive officer.
Welcome to all of our witnesses. Thank you for taking the time to come before us today.
Mr. Lee, I will invite you to make opening remarks of up to five minutes, please.