Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights as we launch our study on the issue of online hate.
This is a really important issue. With the increasing numbers of hate crimes being reported in Canada and groups feeling vulnerable and the increasing presence of hate on the Internet, this subject is one the committee wants to tackle.
I know that a number of groups across Canada have asked us to study this issue. Today we will hear from three, and a fourth may join us later on.
Today, representing the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, we have Mr. Shimon Koffler Fogel, President and Chief Executive Officer; and Mr. Richard Marceau, Vice-President, External Affairs and General Counsel. Welcome, gentlemen.
From the Anglican Church of Canada, we're joined by Mr. Ryan Weston, the Lead Animator of Public Witness for Social and Ecological Justice. Welcome.
From the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus, we're joined by Rabbi Idan Scher. Welcome.
We might be joined by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, represented by Imam Farhan Iqbal. If he arrives, he will follow the other members of the panel in testifying.
We will start with CIJA. Mr. Fogel, the floor is yours.