Good afternoon, everyone.
We're here today pursuant to Standing Order 81(4) to study the main estimates for 2013-14, votes 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 under Natural Resources, referred to committee on Monday, February 25, 2013.
Today, we have as witnesses to discuss these main estimates the Minister of Natural Resources, Minister Oliver, for the first hour, and for the second roughly 45 minutes, until the bells start, we will have from the Department of Natural Resources, Serge Dupont, deputy minister.
I welcome you both at the table now, but the first hour is with the minister.
I want to thank you, Minister, for making yourself available, as you always do. I look forward to your comments, if you'd like to make some comments on the main estimates, and then we'll get right to members' comments and questions.
Minister, the floor is yours.