I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 44 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research. We are meeting today to resume our study on the report of the external advisory panel on the creation and dissemination of scientific information in French.
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 using the Zoom application.
Before we continue, I would ask all in-person participants to consult the guidelines written on the 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, which links to a short awareness video.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of 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 microphone and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
For those on Zoom, at the bottom of your screen you can make a selection of the appropriate channel for interpretation: floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I would like to remind witnesses that committee members may ask questions in either French or English. If you will need interpretation, please take a moment now to prepare your earpiece and select the listening channel you need in advance to take full advantage of the time allotted for questions and answers.
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. We appreciate your patience and understanding in that regard.
With that, I would like to welcome our two witnesses for this panel.
We are joined by Linda Cardinal, emeritus professor, University of Ottawa by video conference. We are also joined by Tanja Neimann, executive director, representing Consortium Érudit.
Welcome. Thanks to both of you for joining us today.
Both of you will have five minutes for opening remarks. We will then go to the rounds of questioning.
We will start with Professor Cardinal.
Please go ahead. The floor is yours. You will have five minutes for your opening remarks.