I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 82 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources.
Pursuant to the order of reference of Tuesday, October 17, 2023, and the adopted motion of Wednesday, December 13, 2023, the committee is resuming consideration of Bill C-49, an act to amend the Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act and to make consequential amendments to other acts.
Since today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of members and witnesses.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your microphone, and please mute yourself when you're not speaking. For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of floor, English or French. Those in the room can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I will remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair. Additionally, taking screenshots or photos of your screen is not permitted.
With us today for the first hour is the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Labour and Seniors. We will proceed with Minister O'Regan's opening statement.
Joining Minister O'Regan, we have, from the Department of Employment and Social Development, Helen Smiley, director general of strategic integration and corporate affairs. Supporting the other departments, we have, from the Department of Natural Resources, Abigail Lixfeld, senior director of the renewable and electrical energy division, energy systems sector, and Annette Tobin, director of the offshore management division, fuels sector.
Minister O'Regan, the floor is yours for five minutes. Welcome.