So let's start with the formalities.
Welcome to meeting 1 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages. Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format.
Pursuant to the House Order of November 25, 2021, some members are attending the meeting in person in the room and others are participating remotely using the Zoom application. Regarding the speaking list, the committee clerk and I will do the best we can to maintain a consolidated order of speaking for all members, whether they are participating virtually or in person.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind all participants to this meeting that taking screenshots or photos of your screen is not permitted.
The proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website.
Given the ongoing pandemic situation and in light of the recommendations from public health authorities, as well as the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on October 19, 2021, the following is recommended for all those attending the meeting in person, in order to remain healthy and safe.
Anyone with symptoms must participate by Zoom, and not attend the meeting in person. Everyone must maintain two-metre physical distancing, whether seated or standing. Everyone must wear a non-medical mask when circulating in the room. It is recommended in the strongest possible terms that members wear their masks at all times, including when seated. Non-medical masks, which provide better clarity of sound, are available in the room.
Everyone present must maintain proper hand hygiene by using the hand sanitizer at the room entrance. Committee rooms are cleaned before and after each meeting. To maintain this, everyone is encouraged to clean surfaces such as the desk, chair and microphone with the disinfectant wipes provided when vacating or taking a seat.
As the Chair, I will be enforcing these measures for the duration of the meeting and I thank members in advance for their cooperation.
Let's now go through the routine motions.