I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting 110 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research.
Before we begin, I ask all in-person participants to read the guidelines written on the updated cards on the table. These measures are in place to help prevent audio and feedback incidents, and to protect the health and safety of all participants, including the interpreters. You will also notice a QR code on the card that links to a short awareness video, which, obviously, I don't want you to watch at the present time, because I don't know where it came from.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format.
I would 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, and I think we might have some in the next panel, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic. 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 either floor, English or French audio. Thank you all for your co-operation.
Before we move into the formal portion of the meeting I want to give you an update on our witness requests. We now have confirmation from both of our ministers that they will be appearing shortly after the winter break. Minister Champagne is confirmed for the second week—just a moment, please let me finish—and Minister Holland said, “In the new year.” As we know, our dates for our meetings will probably change, so we don't know the exact date, but that's the commitment.
Mr. Tochor, you had your hand raised.