Good morning, everybody.
I call this meeting to order. Welcome to meeting number 17 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
I will start by acknowledging that I am meeting here on Treaty 1 territory in the home of the Métis nation.
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. Per the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on March 10, 2022, all those attending the meeting in person must wear a mask except for members who are at their place during the proceedings.
Members and witnesses participating virtually may speak in the official language of their choice. You have the choice at the bottom of your screen of either the floor, English or French.
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 Standing Order 108(2) and the motions adopted by the committee on Thursday, March 3, 2022, the committee is commencing its assessment of Canada's security posture in relation to Russia.
With us today by video conference as individuals are Dr. James Fergusson, deputy director, centre for defence and security studies at the University of Manitoba; Dr. Robert Huebert, associate professor, department of political science, University of Calgary; and Dr. Veronica Kitchen, associate professor, department of political science, University of Waterloo.
Up to five minutes will be given for opening remarks, after which we will proceed with rounds of questions.
Welcome to all of you.
I now invite Dr. Fergusson to make an opening statement of up to five minutes.
Sir, the floor is yours.