Good afternoon, everyone.
I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 42 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee is meeting to hear from witnesses for its study of federal assistance for various natural resources industries.
Today's meeting is taking place in hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of June 23, 2022.
Now that we're in session, I would like to remind all participants that screenshots and taking photos are no longer allowed. The proceedings are being televised and made available via the House of Commons website.
I have a few quick comments for the benefit of our witnesses.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before starting to speak. Those of you participating by video conference will have to activate your own microphones, so click on the microphone to activate your mike, and please mute yourself when not speaking. For those on Zoom, there is interpretation available. You have the choice of either the floor, English or French. For those in the room, there is the earpiece you can use for the translation.
All comments should be addressed through the chair. If those on screen want to speak, please use the “raise hand” function. When we get into the questions and answers section, I do allow the members a fair bit of latitude—whoever is questioning—so if they don't get to you, it's because they have a line of questioning that they may want to be pursuing. However, if you feel you want to weigh in, raise your hand, and if they get to you, they get to you.
In accordance with the routine motion, the committee is notified that all witnesses appearing virtually have completed the required connection tests in advance of the meeting.
Now I would like to welcome our witnesses.
Virtually, we have Linda Coady, president and CEO, BC Council of Forest Industries; and Jean-François Samray, president and CEO, Quebec Forest Industry Council. I have been notified that Monsieur Samray has to depart by 5:15 p.m. today, so if anyone has any questions for the Quebec Forest Industry Council, try to get those in before 5:15 p.m. We also have, from the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, Lisa McDonald, executive director; and Jeff Killeen, director, policy and programs.
In person, we have three organizations represented. From the Forest Products Association of Canada, we have Derek Nighbor, president and CEO; from FPInnovations, Stéphane Renou, president and CEO; and from the National Aboriginal Forestry Association, Bradley Young, executive director.
Welcome.
With that, we're going to five-minute opening statements by each of you.
If you're ready, Ms. Coady, I will start the clock when you start speaking.
I also will say that I have a handy card system, so I will give you the yellow card when there are 30 seconds left on the clock. The red card means that time's up. Don't stop mid-sentence, but wind up your thoughts. Then we can go on to the next person.
By way of other introductions, welcome to Ms. Gladu for joining us today, and welcome back to Mr. Maloney, who is filling in while Ms. Jones is away.
James, it's good to see you.
With that, Ms. Coady, we'll go over to you for your five-minute opening statement.