I call to order the sixth meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance.
I want to welcome everyone back to Ottawa. It's good to see you.
I'm going to read the exact standing order under which we are meeting today. We are here pursuant to Standing Order 106(4) with a request by at least four members of the committee for a meeting. All members have received by email a copy of the letter requesting this meeting. The purpose of this meeting, as stated in the letter, is to decide if the committee wishes to study the current debt crisis and economic turmoil in the United States and Europe and its potential impact on Canada, and whether the committee wishes to hold subsequent meetings on this issue.
This is the only item of business on the agenda today.
For your reference, I'll read a quotation from O'Brien and Bosc, page 1084:
In considering the request, the committee decides whether or not it wishes to take up the requested subject matter. There is no obligation on the committee to conclude debate. If it decides to consider the matter, it may do so as and when it wishes.
We do have the letter. I should state for the record that the letter was signed by five members of the committee.
I believe, Ms. Nash, that you wanted to lead us off in the discussion here today.