Good morning, everyone. Welcome to this eighth meeting of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development and our first meeting devoted to our resumed study of the oil sands and Canada's water basins.
Our Chairman, Mr. Bezan, apologizes for his absence; he had to travel to Manitoba this morning. In order for the Liberal opposition to be able to put its usual number of questions, at second round, I will give my speaking time to a member of my party.
The theme of today's meeting is the role of the federal government in oil sands development. We have with us representatives from the Department of Natural Resources, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Each group will be making a 10-minute presentation, and that will be followed by questions from committee members.
Mr. Stringer, you have the floor.