Welcome, Mr. Seeback, and congratulations. We're glad to have you.
Mr. Carrie, I'm really happy to have you on this committee. We've done lots of work together over the years. Welcome. This is a great committee. We do a lot of interesting work, and we welcome both of you.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format pursuant to the House order of June 23, 2022, and therefore members are attending in person in the room and remotely by using the Zoom application. I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of both the witnesses and the members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
With regard to interpretation, those on Zoom have the choice at the bottom of the screen of either “floor”, “English” or “French”. Those in the room can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
As a reminder, all comments should be addressed through the chair. For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can, and we appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.
Please also note that during the meeting it is not permitted to take pictures in the room or screenshots on Zoom.
Should any technical challenges arise, please advise me. Please note that we may need to suspend for a few minutes, as we need to ensure all members are able to participate fully.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, the committee is conducting its study of potential trade implications of transporting goods in railway containers.
We have with us today, from the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, Daniel-Robert Gooch, president and chief executive officer, and Debbie Murray, senior director, policy and regulatory affairs; from the Canadian National Railway Company, Doug MacDonald, chief marketing officer; by video conference, from GCT Global Container Terminals, Marko Dekovic, vice-president, public affairs; and from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Duncan Wilson, vice-president, environment and external affairs, and David Miller, senior adviser to the executive. These are all people with whom most of us are familiar, in a variety of capacities.
Welcome to the committee today. We're happy to have you here and we look forward to the information you will provide committee members.
Mr. Gooch, I will invite you to make an opening statement of up to five minutes, please.