Good morning, everybody. Welcome back.
It's good to see everybody. It's a new day, a new week, a new piece of legislation and a new level of enthusiasm. Let's get under way.
I call the meeting to order. Welcome to meeting number 21 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Pursuant to the order of reference of February 2, 2026, the committee is meeting to begin its study of Bill C-16, an act to amend certain acts in relation to criminal and correctional matters regarding child protection, gender-based violence, delays and other measures.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
I would like to confirm that the sound tests were done successfully. Everybody knows the guidelines that are in front of them on the desks.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of witnesses and members. Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. As for those participating by video conference, Mr. Housefather, you know the routine. I don't think I need to go through all of the details, so I will skip that.
I will jump to welcoming our witnesses.
First of all, we have the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
Welcome, Minister. Thank you for attending today.
The minister will be with us for the first hour. He's joined today by Department of Justice officials Owen Ripley, senior assistant deputy minister, policy sector; Matthew Taylor, senior general counsel and director general, criminal law policy section; and Nathalie Levman, senior counsel, criminal law policy section.
Minister, I will turn the floor over to you for your opening comments. Thank you for being here.