If we could get started, please....
First of all, I would like to introduce someone who is new in the room, and that's Justin Vaive. Justin is over in the corner here. Eugene claims he's going to retire some time in the future, so Justin is being trained. The interesting part is the connection here: Eugene was trained by Justin's father, and Justin's father is now with the B.C. government. So it's an interesting circle. It stays in the family, at least.
Anyway, welcome, Justin.
I'd like to welcome our guests. I would like to read this on the record, just so that our department officials know exactly what their role is. This is something that Eugene has put together, so having it on the record will clarify this for everyone.
There has been a question about what is the role of department officials, both from the Department of Health and Environment Canada, during these hearings. Basically, here--and these have been agreed to by the departments--the official guidelines for the participants would be the following:
Number one, participants are not required to make opening statements or presentations; ten-minute presentations will be reserved for witnesses, as time is of the essence.
Number two, participants can intervene through the chair to bring clarity to certain questions or if they feel a statement is factually wrong. So they can clarify that.
Three, participants are expected to answer questions from committee members, either orally or in writing, to the best of their ability.
Four, the clerk will provide sufficient advance notice of the items to be discussed at each meeting. This will afford the departments ample time for preparation and the ability to identify appropriate officials.
Are there any comments there? Does this satisfy that requirement?
Mr. Cullen.