Welcome, everyone.
It is 11:00 a.m. and I see that we have quorum. I therefore call the meeting to order.
I am replacing Mr. McKay today, but I will also be speaking as a member of the committee, and I will take my turn as usual.
I confirm that the witnesses have done the appropriate sound checks.
I would like to officially bid you welcome to the 36th meeting of the Standing Committee on National Defence.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on October 6, the committee is continuing its study on Arctic security. Today, we will be looking at the issue of geopolitical competition in the Arctic and its repercussions on international security and cooperation.
I would like to welcome the first group of witnesses. Today, we have the pleasure of hearing Mr. Aurel Braun, who is a professor at the University of Toronto, and Mr. Stéphane Roussel, a professor with the National School of Public Administration. They are participating virtually.
I will now ask both witnesses to make their opening statements.
Professor Braun, you will have the floor for five minutes as soon as your microphone is turned on.