I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 128 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format.
I would like to remind participants of the following points. Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. All comments should be addressed through the chair. Members, please raise your hand if you wish to speak, whether participating in person or via Zoom. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on September 19, 2024, the committee resumes its study of Russian interference and disinformation campaigns in Canada.
I would now like to welcome our witness today, Ms. Lauren Chen.
Welcome, Ms. Chen.
I will inform the committee members that the witness is accompanied today by her legal counsel, Mr. David Anber, currently online via Zoom.
House of Commons Procedure and Practice states:
Witnesses appearing before a committee may be assisted by counsel, but they must first seek the committee’s permission. Counsel, when permitted [by committee members], is restricted to an advisory role and may neither ask questions nor reply on the witness’s behalf.
Therefore, I would like to request the committee's permission for legal counsel to attend the meeting, without the opportunity to intervene or speak on the witness's behalf.
Is the committee in agreement?