Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good morning to the committee, and thank you for the invitation to come and meet with you today on the supplementary estimates (B) for 2007-08.
The supplementary estimates (B) for 2007-08 were tabled in the House on February 14 for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The department represents $665 million. I understand the officials from CFIA will be here for the second hour.
Of the $665 million for Agriculture and Agri-Food, the bulk of the funding is related to the AgriInvest Kickstart programs, the agriculture disaster relief framework, an increase in our spending on CAIS, the BRM suite delivery, an increase in our Canadian Cattlemen's Association legacy fund, and the orchard and vineyards transition program. The remaining amount represents a transfer to and from other departments, and is offset by currently available program funding related to amounts being reprofiled to use in future years.
Including these authorizations and Supplementary Estimates, the total budget of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for the 2007-2008 fiscal year increases to approximately $3.7 billion, which approximately corresponds to the actual spending of $3.6 billion from 2006-2007.
This morning, I'm accompanied by Andrew Marsland, Nada Semaan and Susie Miller. We are prepared to answer your questions. Thank you.