I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 16 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 will be taking place in hybrid format pursuant 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 by the House of Commons website.
I'd like to say, in the interests of time, that since we had votes and started late, I will condense the first round of questions to five minutes from six minutes, the second round to four minutes and the third round to two minutes—if we reach the third round. I'll try to make sure we reach it, so we'll do them for about 45 minutes each.
For our guests, to let you know, I will give you a 30-second card when your time is at about 30 seconds left, and then I'll give you an “out of time” card. Today, I'll have to be particularly precise on timing, due to the time constraints.
I'll begin with opening statements. We have three panellists for the first hour, or 45 minutes. From Peacebuilders Canada, we have Marlon Merraro, executive director; from Six Nations Police Service, Darren Montour, chief of police; and from Victim Services of Brant, Penny McVicar, executive director.
It's over to you, Mr. Marlon Merraro, for five minutes.