Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Minister, welcome to the committee.
I would like you to address something which you did not mention. You have been the minister for four or five months now. Therefore, I imagine you have had time to think about what you would like to do with the National Aerospace and Defence Strategic Framework. You know that your predecessor and colleague announced this project last November with the near unanimous support of the entire aerospace and defence sector. It took years of work on the part of your officials and all stakeholders.
What do you intend to do with it? What do you plan on doing with Technology Partnerships Canada? Many people are awaiting for answers as far as the latter program is concerned.
Lastly, as minister of Industry, you are responsible for government contracts. In the case which we are currently dealing with, namely cargo aircraft, the Boeing C-17 to be precise, have you prepared or are you in the process of studying any regional economic benefits which might accrue from this type of government contract? I imagine that this is your responsibility, since you are the Minister of Industry.
I will begin with those three questions, and if I have any time left, I will ask you some more.