I'd like to bring the meeting to order, please.
We have two full rounds. If we're going to get all the questioning done that we want, I'd like to start right away. We are also looking to have a little bit of committee time for some motions that have been brought forward; we will deal with those right at the end, if you don't mind.
The first thing I want to do before we get started is turn our attention to the biggest issue we are facing in Canada right now, which is Fort McMurray. I'm thinking of the many hectares of forest that have gone, the homes that are gone, and the communities that have been destroyed. I was very pleased to be in the House this morning during all of the leaders' statements, when the government committed to matching any funds that come in through the Red Cross. I'm hoping that many people will give their support to Fort McMurray and to the rebuilding efforts that will be necessary.
I just want everybody in Fort McMurray to know that here in this committee we are thinking of them as we are working in our deliberations today. Thank you.
I want to welcome everyone.
We have with us, from the Nature Conservancy of Canada, John Lounds and Lisa McLaughlin. Thank you for being here.
We have, from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Alison Woodley and Sabine Jessen.
We have with us, by video conference, Peter Kendall. Thank you, Peter, for joining us via video conference.
I would like to start with Peter, if I could, only because I'm always nervous of video conferencing and wonder whether we might lose him through that medium. If everybody is okay with starting with him, we'll get started.
We have two rounds. There's the 11 o'clock to 12 o'clock panel with this group; then some, I know, will have to leave. We'll get that cushioning done and then move to the second round.
Let's get started, then, with Peter Kendall.
Thank you, and welcome.