Thank you, everybody. I apologize for the delay.
I call this meeting back to order.
We are on our last panel of the evening.
I would like to thank our witnesses. It is very gracious of you to share your expertise and to come on Halloween.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of the new witnesses.
Wait for me to call your name before speaking. If you are participating by videoconference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please put yourself on mute when you are not speaking.
Regarding the interpretation, those who are participating in the meeting via Zoom may choose, at the bottom of the screen, between Floor, English and French; those who are in the room may use the headset and select the desired channel.
I would remind you that all remarks by members and witnesses must be addressed to the chair.
I'd now like to welcome our witnesses.
We are very fortunate tonight to have, from the Department of Industry, ISED—Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada—Nipun Vats, the assistant deputy minister, science and research sector; and from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, we have Valérie La Traverse, vice-president, corporate affairs.
We'd like to welcome you both. You will each have five minutes to present. At the four and a half minute mark, I will hold up this pink card so that you know you have 30 seconds. We aim to be fair to everyone.
With that, Dr. Vats, we look forward to your—