I call the meeting to order.
Good morning, everyone, those online and those in person. It's always great to see people in person. It reminds us that we're all human beings.
This is meeting number 19 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 25, 2021.
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 places during proceedings.
I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of 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, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
For those participating via Zoom, you have interpretation options at the bottom of your screen of floor, English or French audio. I would remind everyone that all comments should be addressed through me as the chair.
Pursuant to Standing Order 81(4), the committee is considering main estimates 2022-23, vote 1 under Canadian Commercial Corporation and vote 1 under Invest in Canada Hub, which were referred to the committee on March 1, 2022.
We have with us today, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Sara Wilshaw, chief trade commissioner and assistant deputy minister, international business development, investment and innovation; Bruce Christie, assistant deputy minister and chief trade negotiator; Arun Alexander, associate assistant deputy minister, trade policy and negotiations; Annie Boyer, director general and deputy chief financial officer, financial planning and management; Jay Allen, director general, trade negotiations; Doug Forsyth, director general, market access; Eric Walsh, director general, North America strategy bureau; Weldon Epp, director general, trade and diplomacy North Asia; Emmanuel Kamarianakis, director general, investment and innovation. From Investment in Canada Hub, we have Katie Curran, interim chief executive officer.
Welcome to everyone.
Ms. Wilshaw, I invite you to make an opening statement of up to five minutes, if you wish.
Please go ahead.