I would like to congratulate our two vice‑chairs and all the members of this committee, which plays a key role in the lives of a number of people. These people served our country, and they often come to share their stories and ask us to help them with some of the issues that they face.
Welcome to meeting number one of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.
Before we begin, I would ask all in‑person participants to read the guidelines written on the updated 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, whom I would like to thank.
You'll also notice a QR code on the card that links to a short awareness video.
I invite all of you to be very attentive to ensure the well-being of our interpreters.
Thank you in advance.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format.
I would like to remind participants of the following points.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. Committee members, please raise your hand if you wish to speak. I'll do my best to stay on top of things.
To help me see—certainly, our clerk will help me—if you have comments that you would like to bring forward, please raise your hand.
The committee clerk and I will take care to keep track of the speaking order.
As a reminder, all comments should be addressed through the chair.
I hope you all had the chance to look at our routine motions. With the agreement of the committee, we can proceed to the consideration of the routine motions.
I know that the committee clerk has circulated a list of draft routine motions that were prepared by all the whips of the recognized parties.
As a reminder, a motion must be moved by a committee member. It's also easier to consider the routine motions one by one.
We'll do that if it's okay, and I have agreement.
The first one, I think, is very important. I'll invite a member to read the motion.
Go ahead, Ms. Hirtle.