Seeing a quorum, I think we'll begin.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference of Wednesday, February 3, 2008, the committee will resume its consideration of Bill C-20.
Welcome back to the committee after a week of immersion in constituency issues.
Before we get down to business, I would like to introduce and extend a warm welcome to our new clerk, Mr. Jim Latimer. He has extensive experience; I'm sure he's no stranger to many of you. I know that I speak on behalf of all members when I extend our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing clerk, Christine Lafrance.
We're privileged also to have a new library researcher, Karine Richer. Welcome.
Today we have a bit of nostalgia for any of you who remember the Special Joint Committee on a Renewed Canada, which I was privileged to serve on in 1992. I can tell you that no one gave us more to think about than one of our guests today with his concept of push-pull federalism. So without further reflection, let me introduce our witnesses: Professor Errol Mendes; the able scholar, Professor John D. Whyte, professor of law, Law Foundation of Saskatchewan, University of Saskatchewan; and appearing via broadband--this is probably a modern version of being here in spirit--Charles-Emmanuel Côté, assistant professor of law, Laval University.
Without further ado, I'd like to turn the floor over. We're beginning with you, Professor Mendes.