Good morning, everyone. I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 18 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(g), the committee is meeting today to study the main estimates 2022-23 and the departmental plans.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of November 25, 2021. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely, using the Zoom application.
Given the guidelines from the Board of Internal Economy of March 10, 2022, everyone participating in person must wear a mask, except for members of Parliament when they are seated at their place during the proceedings.
To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to outline a few rules for witnesses and members to follow.
First of all, before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. If you are on the video conference, please click on the microphone icon to unmute yourself. Please keep your microphone muted when you are not speaking.
For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I would remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
For members in the room, please raise your hand if you wish to speak. For members participating via Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The committee clerk and I will do the best we can to maintain a consolidated order of speaking for all members, and we thank you for your patience and your understanding.
In accordance with our routine motion, I am informing the committee that all witnesses have completed the required connection test in advance of the meeting.
I'd now like to welcome our witnesses. Our panel includes, from the Office of the Auditor General, Karen Hogan, Auditor General of Canada; Jerry V. DeMarco, commissioner of the environment and sustainable development; Andrew Hayes, deputy auditor general; Lissa Lamarche, assistant auditor general and chief financial officer; and Paule-Anny Pierre, assistant auditor general.
Ms. Hogan, you now have the floor for five minutes.