I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 108 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motions adopted by the committee on March 9 and December 5, 2023, the committee is resuming its study of the recognition of Persian Gulf veterans and the definition of wartime service.
Today's meeting is taking place in hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders.
As you already know, all comments must be addressed through the chair.
Before we begin, I would like to welcome a few colleagues.
We have Mr. Scot Davidson, who is replacing Mr. Tolmie. Welcome.
As you can see, we have a new clerk, Grant McLaughlin, for today's meeting. Thank you for helping us.
I would also like to welcome a group of students aged 13 to 18. They are with us today from Kanata Montessori. They are here to observe the work of the committee.
Welcome.
For the first hour, we have with us, as an individual, Mr. Sean Bruyea. He is a retired captain and air force intelligence officer. We have Mr. Christopher Banks, a retired sergeant. He used to be here in every meeting we had. By video conference, we also have Mr. Michael Blois. He's a lawyer and a veteran.
Before we start, I will tell you that you will have five minutes for your opening statements. However, I have a request on Zoom from Mr. Blake Richards.
Please, Mr. Richards, go ahead.