I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting No. 75 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on Monday, October 3, 2022, the committee is resuming its study on the experience of women veterans.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, and some members and witnesses are participating by videoconference. Although this room is equipped with a high‑quality audio system, I ask that you be very careful when you are speaking and not put your earpiece near the microphone. You will also note that the interpreters are not here physically, but virtually. However, if the connection isn't perfect, it can still disturb or hurt them. So, I ask that you be very careful.
In accordance with our routine motion regarding sound checks, I wish to inform you that all witnesses have passed the sound tests in advance of the meeting.
Before welcoming the witnesses, I would like to give you a warning. We will be discussing experiences related to mental health. It can be a trigger for the people who are here with us, those who follow our work online, members of the committee and their staff who have had similar experiences. If you feel distressed or if you need help, feel free to let the clerk know.
I would now like to welcome the witnesses.
From the Department of National Defence, we have Linda Rizzo Michelin, chief operating officer of the sexual misconduct support centre; Shoba Ranganathan, director of programs and services at the sexual misconduct support centre; and Colonel Peter Rowe, director of casualty support management. From the Department of Veterans Affairs, we have Amy Meunier, assistant deputy minister of the commemoration and public affairs branch, by video conference; Pamela Harrison, senior director of engagement and events, by video conference; and Dr. Cyd Courchesne, chief medical officer, also by video conference.
You will have five minutes for your opening remarks. We're going to go in the following order, starting with Amy Meunier, then Colonel Peter Rowe and, finally, Linda Rizzo Michelin.
Ms. Meunier, you have the floor for five minutes.