I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 13 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence.
Pursuant to the motion adopted on October 23, the committee is meeting to resume its consideration of Bill C-11, an act to amend the National Defence Act and other acts.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person, and some are attending remotely using the Zoom application.
Before we continue, I will ask participants to consult the guidelines on the table to help prevent audio and feedback incidents and to protect the health of the interpreters. I would also remind the witnesses and the members to please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking.
For those participating via video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute yourself when you're not speaking. For those on Zoom, at the bottom of your screen you can select the appropriate channel for interpretation: floor, English or French. For those in the room, please use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
Again, all comments should be addressed through the chair.
If you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can. We appreciate your patience on that issue.
Before we begin with our witnesses, I'd like to note—and I think you're all aware—that we are discussing, at times, some uncomfortable experiences related to sexual misconduct. This may trigger sensitivities and distress, so it's important to recognize that these are difficult discussions. I'm sure we'll all be compassionate in our conversations and questions. If you feel that you need some help, please advise the clerk.
I'd now like to introduce our witnesses.