I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 64 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 will be attending in person and remotely using the Zoom application.
I would like 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, 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. I will remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair. Please 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 notify me. Please note that we may need to suspend for a few minutes as we need to ensure all members can participate fully.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Tuesday, January 30, 2023, the committee is beginning its study of U.S. duties on Canadian exports of certain lumber products.
We have with us today, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Aaron Fowler, associate assistant deputy minister, trade policy and negotiations; Michael Cannon, director, softwood lumber division; and Michael Owen, general counsel and executive director, trade law bureau.
Welcome, everyone. We're going to start with opening remarks and then we will proceed to rounds of questions.
Mr. Fowler, I believe you're going to make the opening statement for up to five minutes. Then we'll open up the floor to questions.
Please go ahead.