I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 39 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, February 23, 2026, the committee is meeting to study the impact of the defence industrial strategy.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. Before we begin, I ask participants to consult the guidelines on the table. These measures are there to help prevent audio feedback incidents and to protect the health and safety of our interpreters.
Witnesses and members, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand, and please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking.
I will also remind witnesses that the committee members may ask questions in either French or English. If you need interpretation, please take a moment now to prepare your earpiece and select the appropriate channel.
For the purposes of decorum and so forth, I ask that all comments be addressed through the chair.
Let's begin.
I would like to welcome the secretary of state and our witnesses. We have the Hon. Stephen Fuhr, secretary of state for defence procurement. From the Defence Investment Agency, we have Vincent Robitaille, assistant deputy minister of procurement, and Diogo Brandao, senior director of policy and engagement. We also have Paula Folkes, associate assistant deputy minister from the Department of Public Works and Government Services.
We'll proceed now with opening statements of up to five minutes.
Secretary of State, I'll turn the floor over to you, sir.