I call the meeting to order.
This is meeting 47 of the Standing Committee on International Trade.
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 need to make a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and 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.
This is a reminder that 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. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Please also note that during the meeting you are not permitted to take pictures in the room or take screen shots on Zoom.
In accordance with the committee's routine motion concerning technical tests for witnesses, I am informing the committee that all witnesses have completed the required tests.
Should any technical challenges arise, please let me know, and we will then suspend to ensure that everybody has full translation.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Wednesday, February 20, 2022, the committee is beginning a study of environmental and human rights considerations regarding Canadian mining firms abroad.
I welcome all of our witnesses and colleagues who are here today.
With MiningWatch Canada by video conference, we have Catherine Coumans, research coordinator. From Oxfam Canada, we have Ian Thomson, manager of policy. From Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada by video conference, we have Lisa McDonald, executive director, and Jeff Killeen, director of policy and programs.
I'm told that the witnesses from the Prospectors and Developers Association are with us for just an hour, so we will try to ensure that committee members get their questions asked before they have to depart.
We welcome you all. We'll start with opening remarks.
Dr. Coumans, I invite you to make an opening statement of up to five minutes, please.