Pursuant to Standing Order 81(4), we are dealing with the main estimates for 2007-08, votes 1, 5, and 10, under Fisheries and Oceans, referred to the committee on February 27.
I would like to welcome Minister Hearn to the committee meeting.
We appreciate that the minister and his departmental officials took the time to appear. The officials are Larry Murray, Deputy Minister; George Da Pont, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard; David Bevan, Assistant Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Management; and Cal Hegge, Assistant Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Corporate Services.
Welcome.
We had originally planned for an hour, and it was our intent to then go in camera to finish our seal harvest report. The minister told us that he can be here for an hour and a half, so I will try to keep everyone tight on their times. If you don't force me to cut you off, I won't have to.
Thank you very much.
Would the minister please make his opening statement?