I call the meeting to order. This is meeting number 18 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. Per the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on March 10, 2022, all those attending the meeting in person must wear a mask, except for members who are at their place during the proceedings.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and members. Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike. For those participating via Zoom, you have interpretation options at the bottom of your screen of floor, English or French.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, March 21, the committee is resuming its study on trade opportunities for Canadian businesses in the Indo-Pacific.
We have with us today, as an individual, Lynette Ong, professor, University of Toronto. From the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, we have Jeff Nankivell, president and chief executive officer. From the Canadian Sugar Institute, we have Sandra Marsden, president. From the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, we have Philippe Noël, vice-president, public and economic affairs, and Mathieu Lavigne, director, public and economic affairs. From the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines, we have Patricia Lisson, chairperson, and Guy-Lin Beaudoin, chair, Québec. From Nature Alu, we have Denis Mazerolle, president.
I welcome all of you.
Ms. Ong, I invite you to give us an opening statement of up to five minutes.