I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 44 of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on Monday, October 3, 2022, the committee undertakes its study on the experience of women veterans.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of Thursday, June 23, 2022. Members can participate in person or via Zoom.
To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to outline the following rules for you to follow.
Before you speak, please wait for me to recognize you by name. If you are participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your microphone. Please put it on mute when you are not speaking.
For interpretation, you now know how to select the language of your choice.
I remind you that all comments from members and witnesses should be addressed through the chair.
In accordance with our routine motion regarding connection testing, I wish to inform the committee that all witnesses have completed the required connection testing prior to the meeting.
Before we welcome our witnesses, I would like to provide this trigger warning. We will be discussing experiences related to mental health. This may be triggering to viewers, members or staff with similar experiences. If you feel distressed or need help, please advise the clerk.
I would also like to let committee members know that Kelly Farrah, an analyst, is with us today. I thank her for being here. I am now going to introduce our guests.
Because the committee is starting this important study about veterans, we are very happy to have you with us for this first meeting.
From the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman, I would like to welcome retired Colonel Nishika Jardine, veterans ombud; Duane Schippers, deputy veterans ombud; and Dr. Laura Kelly, director of the strategic review and analysis directorate.
Ms. Jardine, you will have five minutes to make your presentation. I will let you know when you have one minute left or when your speaking time is up. The floor is now yours for the next five minutes.