I call this meeting to order.
Good afternoon, everyone.
Welcome to meeting number 18 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, 2021. Members are attending either in person in the room or remotely using the Zoom application. The proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website. So you are aware, the webcast will always show the person speaking, rather than the entirety of the committee.
For those participating virtually, I would like to outline a few rules to follow. You may speak in the official language of your choice. Interpretation services are available. If interpretation is lost, please inform me immediately. We will ensure that the interpretation is properly restored before resuming the proceedings.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. All comments by members should be addressed through the chair. Please speak slowly and clearly. With the help of the clerk, I will do the best I can to maintain a consolidated order of speaking for all members.
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 Forces, including the allegations against the former chief of the defence staff, Jonathan Vance. I hope you all had a chance to read the letter from the law clerk that was sent out to all committee members.
Today I would like to welcome our witness by video conference—Mr. Gary Walbourne, the former ombudsman for National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. Mr. Walbourne may be assisted by counsel. That permission was granted by the committee. However, please be advised that counsel will be restricted to an advisory role and may neither ask questions nor reply on the witness's behalf. Up to six minutes will be given for opening remarks, after which we will proceed with rounds of questions.
Welcome, Mr. Gary Walbourne. I now invite you to make an opening statement of up to six minutes.