I now call this meeting to order.
Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to meeting number 131 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
I'd like to ask all members and other in-person participants to consult the cards on the table for guidance to prevent audio feedback incidents.
Please keep in mind the preventive measures in place to protect the health and safety of all participants, including the interpreters.
Please use only an approved black earpiece. Keep your earpiece away from all microphones at all times. When you're not using your earpiece, please place it face down on the sticker, which is generally to your right but could be to your left. It is well away from the microphone. Also, as a reminder, all comments should be addressed through the chair.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(g), the committee is undertaking the consideration of report 6 from the Auditor General of Canada, entitled “Sustainable Development Technology Canada”, referred to the committee on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
Before welcoming our witnesses, I would like to thank the Office of the Auditor General of Canada for the documentation it has already provided to the committee in response to the questions asked on June 4, 2024. We are waiting for the answers to come regarding breaches of the conflict of interest rules and the projects that received funding, in accordance with the request made by the committee on June 4, 2024.
I'd like to welcome our witnesses.
From the Office of the Auditor General, we have Karen Hogan, Auditor General of Canada; Andrew Hayes, deputy auditor general; Mathieu Lequain, principal; and Ewa Jarzyna, director.
From the Department of Industry, we have Simon Kennedy, deputy minister. It's good to see you.
Finally, from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, we have Francis Bilodeau, associate deputy minister. I appreciate seeing you today as well.
Each group will have five minutes for an opening statement.
As per our custom, we'll begin with you, Ms. Hogan, for five minutes, please.