I call this meeting to order. Good morning, everybody.
Welcome to meeting number 18 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
We will start by acknowledging that I am meeting on Treaty 1 territory and 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 by using the Zoom application. Members and witnesses participating virtually may speak in the official language of their choice. They have the choice at the bottom of the screen of “floor”, “English” or “French”.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motions adopted by the committee on Thursday, March 3, 2022, the committee is resuming its study of the assessment of Canada's security posture in relation to Russia.
With us today by video conference, as individuals, are David Etkin, professor, disaster and emergency management, York University; Dr. Paul Goode, McMillan chair in Russian studies, Carleton University; and Dr. Adam Lajeunesse, Irving Shipbuilding chair in Canadian Arctic marine security, Brian Mulroney Institute of Government, St. Francis Xavier University.
Up to five minutes will be given for opening remarks, after which we will proceed with rounds of questions. I have a 30-second reminder card for everybody. That is just part of the constraints of committee work.
Welcome to all. I now invite Mr. Etkin to make an opening statement for up to five minutes.
Sir, the floor is yours.