I call this second meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance, in the second session of the 40th Parliament, to order.
From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. today, we have before us Kevin Page, the Parliamentary Budget Officer, and pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the study of the 2009 federal budget and recent economic and fiscal forecasts.
Mr. Page, you have with you three gentlemen who work with you. Perhaps I'll ask you to introduce them in your opening statement.
We have about ten minutes for your opening statement. I understand you may need a couple more minutes than that. Since you're the only witness here today, we could certainly allow that.
Please begin your opening statement, and then we'll go immediately to questions from members.
We very much welcome you to the committee. We look forward to your statement and your remarks here today.
Thank you.