I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 48 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. Therefore, members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
Everybody seems happy today. That's terrific. It's the weather. It's inspiring us.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of 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. Please mute it when you are not speaking.
With regard to interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of floor, English or French audio. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I remind everyone 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.
Please also note that during the meeting, it is not permitted to take pictures in the room or screenshots 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 us know, and we will suspend in order to ensure that all members have full access to translation.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, the committee is resuming its study of environmental and human rights considerations regarding Canadian mining firms abroad.
With us today as an individual is André Gauthier, a geologist with Eval Minerals. From Global Compact Network Canada, we have Rumina Dhalla, chair of the board. From KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, we have Silvia Vasquez-Olguin, coordinator of Latin America, gender justice and extractivism, by video conference. From the United Steelworkers union, we have Meg Gingrich, assistant to the national director, also by video conference.
Welcome to Ms. Dhalla and Mr. Gauthier, who are here in person, and to the remaining panellists, who are here via Zoom.
Mr. Gauthier, I invite you to make a presentation of up to five minutes, please.