Bonjour, chers collègues.
Good afternoon. Today is Wednesday, March 31, 2010, and this is meeting number four of the Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan.
I would remind everyone that today we are televised, and I would encourage you to turn off your communication devices, whether it's a telephone or a BlackBerry. Your chair is setting the example early, because it's usually he who ends up having a phone call in the middle of everything. We would encourage you to do that.
We are continuing our study of the transfer of Afghan detainees. Appearing as our first witness today is Cory Anderson, the political director in 2008-09 for Canada's provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan. He is from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
We welcome you here today, Mr. Anderson. We look forward to your comments. I have spoken with you previously and I believe your opening comments will be under ten minutes, which will encourage extra questions. I'm sure you've seen these proceedings and how that will go through each party.
Mr. Anderson, welcome to the Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan. We look forward to your opening comments.