I call the meeting to order.
This is meeting number 63 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.
I need 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 yourself 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. For those in the room, you 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're not allowed to take pictures in the room or screenshots on Zoom. Should any technical challenges arise, please advise me. We will suspend in order to ensure that all members get to participate fully.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Friday, November 25, 2022, the committee is resuming its study of non-tariff barriers in Canada's existing and potential international trade agreements.
We have with us today Ian Laird, a lawyer, as an individual, by video conference; Jeff Nankivell, president and chief executive officer, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, by video conference; and Brian Kingston, president and chief executive officer, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association.
Welcome, Mr. Kingston. It's especially nice to have you in person.
From the National Cattle Feeders' Association, we have Janice Tranberg, president and chief executive officer, and William Lowe, chair of the board of directors, by video conference. From Pulse Canada, we have Mac Ross, director, market access and trade policy, by video conference.
Welcome to all of you. If you want to intervene on a question, raise your hand. Sometimes you'll have to raise it twice in order to get my attention, but we'll make sure you get your opportunity.
Again, welcome to everyone.
Mr. Laird, I invite you to make an opening statement of up to five minutes, please.