I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 44 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Pursuant to the order of reference of November 24, 2022, the committee is meeting to begin its study on Bill S-4, an act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make related amendments to other acts in relation to the COVID-19 response and other measures.
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 by using the Zoom application.
I would like to take a few moments for the benefit of the witnesses.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating via video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike, and please mute yourself when you're not speaking.
There is interpretation. For those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of “floor”, “English” or “French”. 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 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, and we appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.
On our agenda today, we will proceed with Bill S-4. First we'll hear from the Barreau du Québec. Then, right afterward, per the motion adopted last Thursday, we'll do the clause-by-clause study. We also need to reserve a few minutes to complete our review, in camera, of the draft report on the subject matter of Bill C-28. As you all know, we have to report it before December 16.
Before Mr. Fortin asks me, I believe all the witnesses' mikes have been tested.