Government Operations and Estimates

The Government Operations and Estimates committee met to hear from the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) about the government's spending plans for the upcoming year and to discuss various economic issues. The Parliamentary Budget Officer, Annette Ryan, presented the 2026-27 main estimates, which outline the government's planned spending. She noted that out of $502.8 billion in total spending authority, $230.4 billion needs Parliament's approval. Ms. Ryan highlighted that $14.8 billion of this spending is for measures announced in the 2025 budget. Committee members, including Jeremy Patzer and Harb Gill, raised concerns about the growing national debt, the increasing cost of paying interest on that debt, and whether the government has a clear plan to manage its finances. Ms. Ryan expressed concern that the link between government spending and actual results for Canadians has become weaker over time. Other topics discussed included the government's "buy Canadian" policy, with committee members asking about its potential costs. The effectiveness of new housing programs, like Build Canada Homes, was also questioned by members such as Tamara Jansen, who noted that housing starts have been declining despite promises of a construction boom. Liberal committee members, including Vince Gasparro and Pauline Rochefort, highlighted positive reports from international organizations like the IMF, which show Canada in a strong financial position compared to other G7 countries. Ms. Ryan acknowledged these strengths but also pointed out areas of concern, such as Canada's productivity and rising household debt. Regarding next steps, the PBO offered to provide more detailed analysis on the national debt profile, the costs of the "buy Canadian" policy, and the impact of housing programs. Marie-Hélène Gaudreau proposed a study on the National Capital Commission's contracting practices, but the debate on this motion was put off until a future meeting. The committee then proceeded to approve various budget items, known as the Main Estimates, for several government departments and agencies.

This committee meeting focused on Canada's "buy Canadian" policy, which aims to prioritize Canadian suppliers, materials, and content in government purchases and funding. The discussion covered how the policy works, who is responsible for it, and its expected impact on the Canadian economy. Dominic Laporte from Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) explained that the policy, launched in December 2025, uses government purchasing power to strengthen the Canadian economy. It has two main parts: prioritizing Canadian materials like steel, aluminum, and wood, and giving Canadian suppliers a price advantage in bids. He noted that for contracts of $25 million or more, 25% of the evaluation score is based on Canadian content, and this threshold will drop to $5 million in June. PSPC's role is to ensure the policy is consistently put into action. Committee members asked about the policy's effectiveness and reach. Kelly Block (Conservative) questioned how much of the government's total spending would be truly Canadian and whether foreign-owned companies with a Canadian presence would qualify. John-Paul Danko (Liberal) was enthusiastic, highlighting the policy's potential to benefit the national economy and asking how it would influence provincial and municipal governments. Marie-Hélène Gaudreau (Bloc Québécois) expressed concern that the policy might not be enough to save struggling Canadian businesses without broader industrial support. Later, Martin Krumins and other officials from the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) discussed how the "buy Canadian" policy applies to government grants and contributions, which are funds given to support projects rather than direct purchases. They clarified that the policy is mandatory for these programs, though departments can identify exceptions. TBS is developing ways to track compliance, but acknowledged the challenge of monitoring thousands of projects. There was also discussion about how the federal policy might align with similar efforts at provincial and municipal levels, and the importance of a long-term economic vision. No specific decisions were made during this meeting, but the committee agreed to approve the budget for this study. Committee members also expressed disappointment that Minister Lightbound, who is responsible for this policy, declined to attend and requested that he be invited again after more expert testimony is heard.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) met to discuss the main estimates for several government departments and offices for the fiscal year 2026-2027. Representatives from Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), Shared Services Canada (SSC), and the Office of the Governor General's Secretary (OGGS) presented their budget requests and answered questions from committee members. PSPC is asking for $5.9 billion, a decrease of $1.3 billion from last year, due to completed infrastructure projects and spending cuts. SSC is seeking a decrease in funding but needs new funding for cybersecurity and IT services. The OGGS has a budget of $22.2 million, with most going to salaries and national honors. Key topics included government spending, the "Buy Canadian" policy, and digital security. Committee members questioned the clothing allowance for the Governor General and the costs associated with past travel. They also asked about the implementation of the "Buy Canadian" policy and how it would affect different departments. The committee discussed CANChat, a secure AI platform developed by SSC for government employees, and the importance of digital sovereignty. Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) also appeared before the committee. Treasury Board Secretary Bill Matthews defended the use of the "Canada Strong" slogan in government communications, stating it has become the government's brand. There was discussion about a $1 billion contingency fund for defense spending and a $25 billion sovereign wealth fund financed through borrowing. Committee members raised concerns about the lack of transparency and potential risks associated with these funds. Committee members requested additional information from the departments and TBS on various topics, including the breakdown of expenses for former Governors General, the implementation of the "Buy Canadian" policy, and the details of contracts with American digital providers. The committee emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending. The committee will continue its study of the main estimates in future meetings.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) met to discuss the Main Estimates for 2026-2027, focusing on the financial plans for Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Shared Services Canada. Minister Joël Lightbound presented the budget forecasts, highlighting a decrease in spending for both departments due to the completion of infrastructure projects and efforts to find efficiencies. He emphasized the importance of essential services like payroll and cybersecurity, where investments are continuing despite overall budget reductions. The committee also elected John-Paul Danko as vice-chair. Committee members questioned Minister Lightbound on various topics, including savings identified from a comprehensive review of federal contracts, Canada Post's transformation plan and potential layoffs, and the "Buy Canadian" policy. Discussions also covered the use of consultants, the implementation of artificial intelligence in the public service, and measures to prevent procurement fraud. Minister Lightbound defended the government's approach to cost management and emphasized the importance of investing in essential services and cybersecurity. Later, the committee heard from Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali, who outlined the main estimates, highlighting planned spending of $502.8 billion. He discussed transfer payments, investments in the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Treasury Board Secretariat's budget. Committee members questioned President Ali on the government's comprehensive expenditure review, the return to the workplace policy, and the use of partisan messaging in government communications. The committee discussed the government's approach to cost management, the implementation of artificial intelligence, and the transition to the Dayforce pay system.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) held a meeting to discuss government spending and related issues. The meeting included multiple sessions with different witnesses. The first session focused on the Privy Council Office's (PCO) main estimates, with Matthew Shea, Chief Financial Officer, leading the presentation. Committee members questioned the PCO's spending on external consultants for marketing and communications, with Kelly Block raising concerns about the value for money and potential overlap with existing staff duties. Shea defended the use of consultants for specialized tasks and independence, promising to provide additional information on specific contracts. Vince Gasparro focused on the Major Projects Office, with Louise Baird explaining its role in coordinating and accelerating major projects to attract investment and streamline regulatory processes. Marie-Hélène Gaudreau raised concerns about the budget for the Governor General and the government's use of consultants, questioning whether internal capacity was being weakened. Jeremy Patzer questioned the non-partisan nature of government communications, citing the use of the slogan "Canada Strong," which was also a Liberal campaign slogan. The committee also heard from Professor Louis Côté, who discussed the evolution of state governance and administrative reforms, emphasizing the need for strategic government intervention and investment in public services. He cautioned against excessive cuts and the risks of public-private partnerships. The committee also welcomed the new Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), Annette Ryan, who discussed the spring economic update and the 2026-27 main estimates. She highlighted concerns about fiscal sustainability and the transparency of government spending, committing to providing independent, non-partisan analysis to support Parliament's review of public spending and the country's financial situation.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) met to discuss the comprehensive expenditure review (CER) and its impact on various departments. The committee heard from representatives from FINTRAC, the Department of National Defence (DND), Shared Services Canada (SSC), and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). The main focus was on how these departments plan to achieve savings and improve efficiency while maintaining essential services. Philippe Blanchette from FINTRAC explained that they are aiming to find savings without cutting operational programs, focusing on corporate expenditures and modernizing their approach to combatting financial crimes. Jonathan Moor from DND outlined their plan to save money by retiring older fleets, streamlining properties, and modernizing internal processes, emphasizing that no job losses are expected. Tamara Jansen (CPC) questioned FINTRAC's ability to combat organized crime with budget cuts, while Vince Gasparro (Lib) highlighted the importance of FINTRAC and the new financial crimes agency working together to combat illicit financing. Scott Davis from Shared Services Canada discussed how they plan to achieve savings by standardizing technology, consolidating contracts, and reducing reliance on external consultants. Michael Hammond from PSPC detailed their plan to reduce spending and full-time equivalent positions through various measures, including workforce adjustment and attrition. Kelly Block (CPC) questioned PSPC on the impact of these cuts on different departments and regions. The committee also discussed the "Buy Canadian" procurement policy, with a motion passed to study its implementation and effectiveness. Members raised concerns about the impact of budget cuts on service delivery, the reliance on U.S. digital service providers, and the need for legislative action to combat fraud. The committee requested additional information from several witnesses, including a list of cloud and AI vendors from Shared Services Canada and details on fleet retirements and property decommissioning from DND. The committee agreed to invite the president and CEO of Canada Post to a future meeting to address concerns raised by constituents.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) held a meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) and its impact on Library and Archives Canada (LAC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Leslie Weir, the Librarian and Archivist of Canada, explained how LAC plans to cut 15% of its budget, which includes discontinuing a program that helps communities preserve historical documents, reducing funding for access to information requests, and cutting staff. These cuts will mean about 161 positions will be reduced by 2029. Committee members were concerned about how these cuts would affect the ability of citizens and journalists to access information. Later in the meeting, Cliff Groen, Associate Deputy Minister for ESDC, discussed how ESDC plans to reduce its funding by $780.5 million by 2028-29. This includes cutting over 5,300 positions. Groen emphasized that these cuts would not affect frontline services to Canadians and that ESDC is working to become more efficient by using digital services and AI. Committee members questioned how these cuts would affect service delivery and whether executives should still receive bonuses despite the cuts and existing backlogs. During questioning, committee members raised concerns about backlogs in access to information requests at LAC and delays in services like employment insurance and disability reconsiderations at ESDC. They questioned whether the cuts would further worsen these issues. Witnesses defended the cuts by saying they were focusing on efficiency and prioritizing frontline services. They also mentioned efforts to digitize records and use technology to improve service delivery. Committee members also inquired about executive bonuses, with some questioning why so many executives were receiving bonuses despite the departments not meeting all of their targets. Witnesses explained that the bonuses were part of an "at-risk pay" system based on performance and that only a small percentage of executives received the highest bonus. The committee also discussed the impact of the cuts on staff morale and the use of outsourcing. The committee agreed to allocate funds for upcoming meetings with the procurement ombudsman and for additional meetings on the CER. The committee decided to cancel their next meeting due to a scheduling conflict with the economic statement.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met to discuss a report on federal contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses. The Procurement Ombud, Alexander Jeglic, presented the findings of his office's review of the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB). The review found that the government lacks a clear policy for Indigenous procurement, leading to inconsistent practices and weak oversight. Jeglic made three recommendations to fix these issues. Jeglic explained that the current system overstates the economic benefits to Indigenous businesses. He said that the way the government reports its progress toward a 5% target for contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses isn't accurate. The report also found that departments often didn't check if businesses were actually Indigenous-owned and that there was no way to ensure that Indigenous businesses were doing a meaningful amount of the work on these contracts. Committee members expressed concerns about the lack of accountability and the fact that these issues have been ongoing for many years. Jeglic recommended developing a clear, government-wide Indigenous procurement policy, creating a way for Indigenous suppliers to complain about unfair contracts, and improving the way the government reports on its progress. Committee members discussed the importance of economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities and asked about the impact of these contracts on job creation. Jeglic emphasized that Indigenous procurement is a powerful tool for economic reconciliation, but only if it's done right. The committee plans to follow up on the report's recommendations and monitor progress in the coming months. Jeglic will provide an update in six months.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) met to discuss government spending and budget cuts. Committee members questioned officials from the Department of Finance about the recent spending review, focusing on how cuts were decided and whether they considered the return on investment. They also discussed the impact of global economic shocks on Canada and the government's plans for economic resilience. The committee also heard from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO) about the impact of budget cuts on their members and the services they provide. Conservative committee members expressed concern that the spending review would not reduce the deficit and questioned whether the government was prioritizing spending on interest payments over healthcare. They also raised concerns about cuts to FINTRAC, the agency responsible for tracking money laundering. Liberal committee members focused on the government's plans to make the economy more resilient and to invest in capital projects. They also emphasized that the spending review was not about austerity but about reallocating resources to higher-priority areas. Nick Leswick, Deputy Minister of the Department of Finance, and Thomas Larouche, Director General, Budget and Government Operations, Department of Finance, answered questions about the spending review and the government's economic plans. Sharon DeSousa, National President of PSAC, and Frédérick Lebeau, National President of UCCO, spoke about the impact of budget cuts on their members and the services they provide. DeSousa expressed concern that the cuts would lead to slower service delivery and reduced administrative capacity. Lebeau raised concerns about the safety and security of correctional officers due to cuts in staffing and resources. The committee discussed the impact of the cuts on various government departments, including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Health Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Concerns were raised about the potential for reduced hours of operation at border crossings, weakened regulation of pharmaceutical drugs, and slower responses to food-borne illness outbreaks. The committee also discussed the use of technology, such as AI and drones, and whether it could replace human workers. The committee plans to continue its study of the comprehensive expenditure review and to hear from a broader range of voices, including unions and stakeholders from across the country. The committee will also meet with the Procurement Ombudsman to discuss indigenous procurement and with officials from the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Transportation Safety Board as part of the main estimates.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations met to discuss the 2025-26 supplementary estimates, which outline proposed government spending. Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali presented the estimates, totaling $5.4 billion in proposed spending, offset by a $1.4 billion decrease in other areas. Key areas of investment included the Canadian Armed Forces, Indigenous priorities, and veterans' programs. A new Treasury Board central vote was proposed to address urgent defense needs. Ali emphasized the government's commitment to transparency and responsible spending. During the meeting, committee members questioned Ali about the national deficit, debt, and the progress of the comprehensive expenditure review aimed at finding savings. Conservative MP Jeremy Patzer criticized Ali for not knowing key financial figures and raised concerns about increasing debt. Ali maintained that the focus of the meeting was on the supplementary estimates, not broader economic projections. Liberal MP Vince Gasparro highlighted Canada meeting NATO's defense spending target and discussed the red tape review aimed at supporting small businesses. Bloc Québécois MP Marie-Hélène Gaudreau questioned the allocation of funds to specific programs like Cúram and Phoenix, as well as the budget for Veterans Affairs. Conservative MP Tamara Jansen raised concerns about a $1 billion fund for the Canadian Armed Forces with limited details on its planned use. Liberal MP Iqra Khalid inquired about the impact of budget cuts on service delivery and the early retirement incentive for public servants. Secretary of the Treasury Board Bill Matthews provided additional details on various topics, including the Coast Guard's accounting towards the NATO target, the structure of performance pay in the public service, and the government's efforts regarding whistleblower protection. He also addressed concerns about the transparency of spending and the reallocation of funds. The committee agreed to invite the procurement ombudsman to a future meeting to discuss a report on indigenous studies. The committee agreed to follow up on several items, including providing more details on the CBC's planned spending, the regional impact of job cuts, and the process for reviewing partisan slogans in public information. The meeting adjourned after a lengthy discussion on government spending and accountability.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met to discuss the impact of recent budget cuts to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and their effect on agricultural research. Representatives from various agricultural organizations, including the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat), the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association, and Western Crop Innovations, testified about the importance of agricultural research and the potential negative consequences of the cuts. They emphasized that these cuts would not only affect research but also the ability to develop new crop varieties and maintain Canada's competitiveness in the global market. Speakers expressed concern about the lack of consultation with stakeholders before the cuts were announced and the potential long-term impacts on food security and the rural economy. Darren Steinley from SARM highlighted the critical role of research farms in Saskatchewan for practical agricultural solutions and their contribution to the economic health of rural communities. Jocelyn Velestuk from Sask Wheat emphasized the importance of AAFC as a key partner for Saskatchewan farmers and the potential impact of the cuts on wheat breeding programs. Daryl Fransoo and Darcy Pawlik from the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association stressed the need for a clear strategy and meaningful consultation before implementing cuts, as well as the importance of maintaining Canada's agricultural productivity and competitiveness. Lori Oatway from Western Crop Innovations spoke about the impact of the cuts on research connectivity, institutional memory, and collaborative trust, as well as the potential long-term consequences for farmers and the agricultural sector. Committee members questioned the witnesses about the criteria used for the cuts, the lack of consultation, and the potential impact on various aspects of agriculture, including varietal registration, agronomy, and irrigation. Witnesses expressed concerns about the disproportionate impact of the cuts on rural communities and the lack of a clear plan for the future of agricultural research in Canada. A motion was introduced to undertake a study of no more than four additional meetings of hearings on the impacts of cuts to the public service, with particular attention to the role of external contracting. The committee approved a budget for supplementary estimates and discussed future meeting schedules.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) met to discuss supplementary spending requests from Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Shared Services Canada (SSC), as well as the government's Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER). PSPC requested additional funds for advertising, pension services, defense procurement reform, and the public lands for homes plan. SSC sought more money for cybersecurity and increased demand for digital services, particularly from the Department of National Defence. Witnesses from public sector unions expressed concerns about the impact of the CER on public services, including potential cuts to frontline services and loss of expertise. Arianne Reza, Deputy Minister at PSPC, detailed the department's funding requests and efforts to streamline processes. Scott Jones, President of SSC, outlined the department's role in digital modernization and cybersecurity. Gregory Harlow, President of the Association of Justice Counsel, raised concerns about cuts to the Bureau of Pensions Advocates, which represents veterans. Sean O'Reilly, President of The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), warned about the risks of cutting expertise in areas like food inspection and rail safety. Committee members questioned the witnesses about the rationale for the spending requests and the potential impact of the CER. Some members expressed concern about the government's reliance on external consultants and the lack of consultation with unions. The committee voted on the supplementary estimates, with most votes passing on division, indicating disagreement among committee members. The committee agreed to reschedule a witness from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) due to technical difficulties.

The Government Operations and Estimates Committee met to discuss the impact of budget cuts on Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). The main focus was on the Bureau of Pensions Advocates (BPA), which helps veterans appeal decisions about their benefits. Toufic El-Daher, National President of the Union of Veterans' Affairs Employees, testified that the BPA is facing a significant workforce reduction due to the end of temporary funding, which will negatively affect services for veterans. He emphasized that the demand for veterans' services is increasing, and cutting funding would be counterproductive. He requested that the committee help get $9.5 million in funding to extend the contracts of term employees. Committee members expressed concerns about the potential impact on veterans, including longer wait times and reduced access to justice. Some members questioned whether the cuts were consistent with the government's commitment to supporting veterans. Mr. El-Daher stated that the cuts would result in veterans waiting three to five years for their cases to be heard. He also noted that senior management at Veterans Affairs Canada did not submit a request to Treasury Board to extend contracts, despite the growing backlog of cases. Liberal committee members highlighted investments in Veterans Affairs Canada and questioned whether the cuts would affect programs and services. Mr. El-Daher acknowledged that programs and services would remain the same, but there would be fewer employees to help veterans, resulting in longer wait times. The committee also heard from Treasury Board officials regarding the comprehensive expenditure review and its impact on government departments. They stated that the goal was to reduce spending in some areas to invest more in others, and that departments were instructed to minimize the impact on services to Canadians. Treasury Board officials stated that departments were given criteria to follow when making cuts, including avoiding impacts on service delivery, health, safety, or legal obligations. They also mentioned that the government is aiming to reduce the size of the public service through attrition and voluntary departures. Committee members raised concerns about the potential impact of the cuts on rural areas, young people, and institutional knowledge. Treasury Board officials stated that they were taking steps to preserve youth and diversity in the workforce, as well as to maintain institutional knowledge through information management. Ultimately, the committee voted on a motion to recommend Jason Jacques as the permanent Parliamentary Budget Officer for a full seven-year term. The motion passed with a vote of 5 to 4.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates met to discuss supplementary budget estimates and a review of the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO). Jason Jacques, the Interim Parliamentary Budget Officer, presented a report on supplementary estimates, which outlined $4 billion in new budgetary spending. He also discussed an OECD review that ranked the PBO as a top institution and provided recommendations for improvement. Committee members questioned Jacques about the OECD's recommendations, particularly regarding parliamentary involvement in interim PBO appointments. Jacques agreed with the OECD's suggestion that legislative changes could improve the stability and perception of impartiality in the PBO. Members also discussed concerns about transparency in government spending, specifically regarding frozen allotments and a $1 billion loan to Canada Post. Some committee members expressed worry that the government was not providing enough detail on how funds would be spent, especially in areas like defense. The committee also heard from Scherie Nicol from the OECD, who presented the findings of their review of the PBO. Nicol highlighted the PBO's strengths and areas for improvement, including leadership appointments, access to information, and communication strategies. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding the PBO's independence and ensuring its continued effectiveness in a complex fiscal environment. The committee agreed to request the new PBO follow up on a request regarding defense spending.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) held a meeting to discuss Canada Post's financial situation and transformation plans. Carrie Chisholm, Vice-President of Product Management and Customer Experience at Canada Post, presented information about the proposed changes to letter mail pricing and the need for additional government funding. Committee members questioned Chisholm about the impact of these changes on rural post offices, services for blind Canadians and libraries, and the overall sustainability of Canada Post. The committee also discussed the absence of Minister Lightbound to discuss supplementary estimates, with some members expressing disappointment and concern. Carrie Chisholm explained that Canada Post has been facing significant financial challenges due to declining letter mail volumes and increasing delivery costs. She highlighted the need for greater flexibility in letter mail pricing to align with modern needs and reduce reliance on taxpayer support. Chisholm also reassured the committee that Canada Post is committed to maintaining preferential rates for blind Canadians and libraries, regardless of proposed law changes. She emphasized the importance of consultations with municipalities and communities before implementing any changes to rural post offices or services. Committee members raised concerns about the potential closure of rural post offices and the impact on essential services for remote communities. Chisholm stated that Canada Post's transformation plan includes modernization of post offices to better reflect where Canadians live and shop, with a focus on prioritizing and protecting access to vital services in rural areas. She also mentioned the importance of the delivery accommodation program for people with reduced mobility and seniors. Members also questioned the timeline for implementing the transformation plan and the reasons for delays in government approval. The committee also discussed the Kaplan report, which described Canada Post as being in an "existential crisis" and "effectively insolvent." Members questioned Chisholm about the repayment of government loans and the measures being taken to ensure the financial sustainability of Canada Post. Chisholm stated that Canada Post is working closely with the government to implement a transformation plan that will address the corporation's financial challenges and reduce reliance on taxpayer funding. The committee requested that Canada Post provide additional information on the loan agreement and the details of the transformation plan. Ultimately, the committee expressed concerns about the absence of Minister Lightbound to discuss supplementary estimates, with some members expressing disappointment and concern. It was clarified that the Minister was on paternity leave. The committee agreed to reach out to the minister to see if a virtual option was available to engage with the committee.