Thank you, folks. We're very pleased to have the minister here today with us.
We are considering the estimates for the minister's department, and as I understand it, Minister, we'll have some comments and there will certainly be questions. I can imagine there will be a few, and then I understand that you will be leaving later, and your staff will be remaining to provide further information as necessary.
So, Minister Blaney, thank you for joining us. We're under way. We're here pursuant to Standing Order 81(5), supplementary estimates (C) for 2011-2012, referred to the Veterans Affairs committee on Tuesday, February 28; and also pursuant to Standing Order 81(4), main estimates, 2012-2013, votes 1, 5, and 10 under Veterans Affairs, also referred to committee on Tuesday, February 28, 2012.
So we're on the record. That's why we're here.
Welcome, Minister Blaney.