Thank you
I have some information for those participating virtually.
Members and witnesses may speak in the official language of their choice. Interpretation services are available for this meeting. You have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of either floor, English or French.
Before speaking, click on the microphone icon to activate the microphone. When you're done speaking, please put your microphone on mute to minimize any interference.
All comments by members or witnesses should be addressed through the chair.
Should members need to request the floor outside their designated time for questions, they should activate their mike and state that they have a point of order.
If a member wishes to intervene on a point of order that has been raised by another member, they should use the “raise hand” function. This will signal to the chair that they want to speak. Their name will then be added to a speaker's list. To raise your hand, click on “Participants” at the bottom of the screen. When the list pops up, you'll see next to your name that you can click on the “raise hand” button.
When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly.
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the use of headsets with a boom microphone is mandatory for everyone participating remotely.
Should any technical challenges arise, please let me know. Please note that we may need to suspend the meeting for a few minutes, since we must ensure that all members are able to participate fully.
I won't read the information usually addressed to those participating in person, because no one is in the room.
Should you wish to raise a point of order, please activate your microphone, and indicate to me clearly that you wish to raise a point of order.
With regard to a speaking list, the committee clerk and I will do the best we can maintain the order of speaking for all members.
I also want to inform the committee members that the last five minutes of the meeting will be set aside for the adoption of the committee's budget.
I now want to extend a very warm welcome to our witnesses. For the first hour, we'll be meeting with Raymond Théberge, the Commissioner of Official Languages.
Mr. Théberge, it's our pleasure to welcome you again.
We'll also be meeting with Pierre Leduc, assistant commissioner, policy and communications branch; Ghislaine Saikaley, assistant commissioner, compliance assurance branch; and Pascale Giguère, general counsel, legal affairs branch, at the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages.
Please note that I'll be using a card to let you know that you have one minute left. When I use a red card, it's like in soccer. Your time is up.
Mr. Théberge, you have the floor for seven and a half minutes to give your presentation.