I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 95 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 Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of witnesses and members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking.
To prevent disruptive audio feedback incidents during our meeting, we kindly ask that all participants keep their earpieces away from any microphone. Audio feedback incidents can seriously injure interpreters and disrupt our proceedings.
As a reminder, all comments should be addressed through the chair.
Pursuant to the order of reference of Monday, March 27, 2023, the committee resumes its study of Bill C-26, an act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other acts.
Appearing before us today are the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, MP and Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs; and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, MP and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. Welcome.
Witnesses from the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness include Patrick Boucher, senior assistant deputy minister, national cyber security branch; Colin MacSween, director general, national cyber security directorate; and Kelly-Anne Gibson, acting director, national cyber security directorate.
Witnesses from the Department of Industry are Éric Dagenais, senior assistant deputy minister, spectrum and telecommunications sector; and Mark Schaan, senior assistant deputy minister, strategy and innovation policy sector.
Please note that the ministers will be with us for one hour and 30 minutes. The officials will stay for the rest of the meeting in order to answer questions from members.
Colleagues, we need about 10 to 15 minutes before the end of the meeting to deal with committee business items, such as budgets and the committee schedule.
Welcome to all.
I now invite Minister LeBlanc and Minister Champagne to make an opening statement of up to 10 minutes each.
Thank you.
Minister LeBlanc, will you start?