Colleagues, I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting No. 6 of the Standing Committee on Science and Research.
As you all know, the Board of Internal Economy requires that committees adhere to the health protocols that are in effect until March 11, 2022. As chair, I will enforce these measures, and I thank you all for your co-operation.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of November 24, 2021.
I would like to outline a few rules to follow.
Interpretation services are available for this meeting, and if there are interpretation difficulties, please let me know as soon as possible. You may speak in the official language of your choice. At the bottom of your screen, you may choose to hear floor audio, English or French. The “raise hand” feature is on the main toolbar, should you wish to speak.
As a reminder, all comments should be addressed through the chair. When you are not speaking, your microphone must be muted. The committee clerk and I will maintain a speaking list for all members.
Colleagues, we have two panels tonight. On the first panel, we have Dr. Nipun Vats, assistant deputy minister, science and research sector, Innovation, Science and Economic Development; and from the National Research Council of Canada we have Dr. Danial Wayner, departmental science adviser; and Dr. Shannon Quinn, secretary general.
Colleagues, you will have five minutes to speak. At four and a half minutes, I will hold up a yellow card, and I'll move on to the next speaker at the five-minute mark.
We'll go to Dr. Vats. Welcome.