I'd like to call this meeting of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage to order and to let everyone know that this meeting is televised.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), a study on policies and priorities of the Department of Canadian Heritage, appearing today is the Honourable Bev Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women.
As witnesses, we have Judith LaRocque, deputy minister; and Bruce Manion, assistant deputy minister of planning and corporate affairs. Thank you very much for coming today.
I will advise everyone that the minister is here from 3:30 until 4:30. I will respect the five-minute questions today and we will carry on that way.
Without much more ado, I would ask the minister whether she has any opening remarks.