I call this meeting to order.
Good morning, everyone. What a delight it is to be back in Ottawa and in this room to see all of these smiling faces. I'm thrilled that we're able to be together in person—some of us, anyway—and virtually with all of those who are calling in from various places across the country.
Welcome to meeting number 11 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. 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. The proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website. Just so that you are aware, the webcast will always show the person speaking, rather than the entirety of the committee.
For members participating in person, proceed as you usually would when the whole committee is meeting in person in a committee room. Keep in mind the Board of Internal Economy's guidelines for mask use and health protocols.
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. For those in the room, your microphone will be controlled as normal by the proceedings and verification officer. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. When you are not speaking, your mike should be on mute. I would remind you that all comments by members should be addressed through the chair.
With regard to a speaking list, the committee clerk will advise the chair on whose hands are up to the best of his ability, and we will do the best we can to maintain a consolidated order of speaking for all members, whether they are participating virtually or in person.
Pursuant to the order adopted by the House of Commons on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, and the motion adopted on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, the committee is resuming its study of gun control, illegal arms trafficking and the increase in gun crimes committed by members of street gangs.
With us today, live and in person, we have the Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety. Also very much alive, but not in person, from the Canada Border Services Agency, we have John Ossowski, president, and Scott Harris, vice-president of the intelligence and enforcement branch. From the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, we have Talal Dakalbab, assistant deputy minister of community safety and countering crime. From the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, we have Brenda Lucki, commissioner, and Stephen White, deputy commissioner of specialized policing services.
Colleagues, so you know what we're going to do with the time allocation, when you've got 30 seconds, left I will raise this card. For anybody who can't see it, I will whisper “30 seconds”. I will be as gentle as I can be and as respectful as I should be about time allocation.
Welcome to all.
I now invite Minister Marco Mendicino to make an opening statement. It's over to you, Minister.