I call this meeting to order. Welcome to meeting number 13 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Pursuant to the order of reference of Thursday, March 31, the committee is meeting to study Bill C-5, an act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format pursuant to the House order of November 25, 2021. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application. The proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses, but first, I just want to let each group know that they will have five minutes to make their opening statements, and then members will have questions.
I don't have a time card, but when you have 30 seconds left, I'll wave an envelope to give you a heads-up that you have about 30 seconds. I will have to interrupt you when your time is up.
We have three witnesses in the first round. We have Michael Spratt, criminal and appeal lawyer and partner at AGP LLP. We have, from the London Abused Women's Centre, Jennifer Dunn. From Saskatoon Tribal Council, we have Chief Mark Arcand, tribal chief.
I will begin by inviting Michael Spratt to speak for five minutes.