I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 33 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and adopted on September 22, the committee is meeting to begin its study of the subject matter of Bill C-28, an act to amend the Criminal Code (self-induced extreme intoxication).
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of June 23, 2022. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely by using the Zoom application.
I'd like to take a few moments to make a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, please click on the microphone icon to activate your mike. Please mute yourself when you are not speaking. For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of either floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel. 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 in this regard.
I'd also like to let you know that I will be using a few cue cards. When you have 30 seconds left in your speaking time, I'll raise this book. It's just a yellow background for now. When your time is up, I'll use this red folder, which indicates that your time is up.
Without further ado, I'd like to welcome our first witness for the first hour—
Go ahead, Mr. Fortin.