Seeing quorum, I call the meeting to order.
Pursuant to our order of reference of February 13, 2008, we will continue our study of Bill C-20.
Today we are fortunate to welcome a witness who knows Ottawa very well.
Benoît Pelletier was associate dean and professor of the year at the University of Ottawa Law Faculty, where he obtained a master's in law. He then obtained his PhD from the Université de Paris in 1996. Mr. Pelletier is the Minister of Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs for the province of Quebec. He is also responsible for Indian Affairs and appropriately, the reform of democratic institutions.
Thank you for your patience. We had to hold a vote today and that is why we are starting a little bit late. That being said, I would like to invite Minister Pelletier to make his comments.
The floor is yours.