Colleagues, I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 24 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research.
Today's meeting, as you know, is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of June 23, 2022. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
Tonight, based on Standing Order 108(3)(i) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, September 26, 2022, we are continuing the study of the international moonshot programs.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking.
For those participating via video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking. With regard to interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of floor, English or French. Those in the room can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I will remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
Members in room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. Members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can, and we appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.
In accordance with our routine motion, I am informing the committee that all witnesses have completed the required connection tests in advance of the meeting.
I see tonight that we have Mr. Powlowski, Mr. Williams and Mr. Garon joining us. Welcome to you all.
Now I'd like to welcome our witnesses.
We have Dr. Art McDonald, former Gray chair in particle astrophysics, professor emeritus at Queen's University and, of course, a Nobel Prize winner. He is appearing as an individual.
We also have, from the Gérard Mourou Center for Ultrafast Optical Science, Dr. Brandon Russell, who is a research fellow.
I would like to welcome you both. Our committee is very excited to hear your testimony. You will each have five minutes to present. At the four and a half minutes, I will hold up this green card, which lets you know there are 30 seconds left. We aim to be fair, so please wrap up your discussion to be within the five minutes.
With that, I welcome you again.
Dr. McDonald, the floor is yours for five minutes.