Good afternoon.
I'm calling this meeting to order. Welcome to meeting number 17 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of January 25, 2020, and members will be attending in person or participating through the Zoom application.
The proceedings will be published on the House of Commons website. For your information, the webcast will always show the person speaking rather than the entire committee.
I think we have enough experience working in this current format, so I'm going to skip some of the detailed health procedures.
Please, before you speak, wait until I recognize you by name. All comments by members should be addressed through the chair. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. When you are not speaking, your mike should be on mute.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, the committee is resuming its study of addressing sexual misconduct issues in the Canadian Armed Forces, including the allegations against former chief of the defence staff Jonathan Vance.
With us today by video conference are Dr. Allan English, retired captain from the Canadian Forces; Dr. Alan Okros, also retired captain from the Canadian Forces; and Dr. Stéfanie von Hlatky, who is currently the honorary lieutenant-colonel of the Princess of Wales regiment.
Up to six minutes will be given for opening remarks.
I would like to start by welcoming Dr. Allan English to start with his opening remarks, please.