Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome. It's a pleasure to have the minister with us today. This meeting has been called to consider the main estimates for 2006-07, and I certainly would like to welcome the Honourable Chuck Strahl.
Most of us knew you before you had the “Honourable” in front there, Chuck. It's good to see you, sir.
With the minister today, we have Deputy Minister Leonard Edwards and Terry Hearn, assistant deputy minister for corporate management. From the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, we have François Guimont, president, and Gordon White, vice-president. That's all I have on my list.
I'll ask the minister to begin with a statement, please.