I call this meeting to order.
I see a number of new faces around the table today and on the screen. That's great.
Welcome to meeting number 108 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research. Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. All witnesses have completed the required connection tests in advance of the meeting.
I'd like to remind all members 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.
For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking. For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of floor, English or French.
Thank you all for your co-operation.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(i) and the motion adopted by the committee on Tuesday, September 17, the committee is resuming its study of the mission, mandate, role, structure and financing of the new capstone research funding organization announced in budget 2024.
It's now my pleasure to welcome, from Northwestern Polytechnic, Dr. Vanessa Sheane, president and chief executive officer; from Polytechnics Canada, Sarah Watts-Rynard, chief executive officer; and from the Université du Québec, Christian Agbobli, vice-president of research, creation and diffusion, by video conference.
Up to five minutes will be given for opening remarks, after which we will proceed with rounds of questions.
Dr. Sheane, I invite you to make an opening statement of up to five minutes.