I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number three of the Standing Committee on Science and Research.
Pursuant to the House motion of June 18, 2025, the committee is meeting to study the impact of the criteria for awarding federal funding on research excellence in Canada.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely by using the Zoom application.
Before we continue, I ask all in-person participants to consult the guidelines written on the cards on the table. These measures are in place to prevent audio 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, which links to a short awareness video.
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 by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic. Please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
For those on Zoom, at the bottom of your screen you can select the appropriate channel for interpretation: floor, English or French. Those in the room can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
As a reminder, all comments should be addressed through the chair. For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For 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.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses for the first panel.
We are joined by David Freeman, an associate professor from Simon Fraser University, who is joining us by video conference. We are also joined by Dr. Yuan Yi Zhu, assistant professor of international relations and international law at Leiden University.
Thank you both for appearing before the committee.
All witnesses will have five minutes for their opening remarks, and then we will proceed to the rounds of questioning.
Mr. Freeman, we will start with you. You have five minutes for your opening remarks. Thank you.