I call the meeting to order.
We have five great witnesses with us today. We have the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Mining Association of Canada, the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement, the Forest Products Association of Canada, and the West Coast Environmental Law Association by video conference.
Actually, there are a few by video conference.
Some of you have come back after your scheduled appearance was moved last week, so we're going to start with those who are here from last week.
I'm wondering, with agreement from the committee, if we can shorten the witnesses' statements down a bit so that we make sure we have enough time to have a proper discussion with them. I was thinking of moving to eight minutes for witness statements. I know it will rush your statements, but I want to make sure we have a good chance to have time for this.
Is there anyone on committee who would have opposition to my moving to eight minutes on witness statements? Okay, let's make that eight minutes. I have agreement.
The first up will be the Canadian Wildlife Federation. We have Rick Bates, the acting chief executive officer and executive vice-president, and David Browne, the director of conservation.
It's all yours. Welcome.