Good morning, everybody. I call this meeting to order. Welcome back.
Welcome to meeting number 38 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Pursuant to the order of reference of October 31, the committee is continuing its study of Bill C-9, an act to amend the Judges Act.
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 some witnesses are appearing remotely.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of witnesses and members.
First, please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
There is interpretation for those on Zoom. You have the choice at the bottom of your screen of either floor, English or French audio. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I remind everyone that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please your hand. For individuals on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as well as we can, and we appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.
For your information, before anybody asks, all tests have been successfully performed with our witnesses.
I would like to welcome our witnesses for the first hour. Craig Scott, professor of law at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, is here as an individual. From the Canadian Association for Legal Ethics, Professor Richard Devlin, professor of law, is appearing by way of video conference. From The Advocates' Society, Sheree Conlon, secretary, executive committee of the board of directors, is appearing by video conference.
We will move now to the opening comments. We will start here in the room, with Professor Scott.
Go ahead, please.