Okay, today we are starting our examination [Technical difficulty—Editor]
We're not hearing the sound in the committee room, so I'll just continue for now.
Today we're starting our examination of the Criminal Code relating to medical assistance in dying and its applications.
Before we begin, I'd like to remind members and witnesses to keep their microphones muted at all times—we have had a few technical difficulties already—unless recognized by name by the joint chairs.
I will remind you also that all comments should be addressed through the joint chairs. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly, and interpretation in this video will work like an in-person committee meeting. You have the choice at the bottom of your screen of “floor”, “English” or “French”.
With that, I would like to welcome our witnesses.
From the Department of Health, we have Abby Hoffman, senior executive adviser to the deputy minister; Jacquie Lemaire, senior policy adviser, end of life care unit, strategic policy branch; and Venetia Lawless, manager, end of life care unit, strategic policy branch.
From the Department of Justice, we have Joanne Klineberg, senior counsel, and Jay Potter, acting senior counsel.
Thank you all for joining us at this important second meeting of the committee.
We'll begin with opening remarks shortly by Ms. Hoffman, followed by Ms. Klineberg. Each of our witnesses today has five minutes. I have a stopwatch next to me for timing all speakers and I will try to give you a 30-second warning before the end of your time.
With that, I would like to invite our first witness, Ms. Hoffman.