Welcome, everyone. Bienvenue.
A special greeting to our new Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Michelle d'Auray. Welcome to the committee, ma'am, and to your colleagues as well.
Pursuant to the decision of the committee of November 14, 2007, we are beginning our study of the supplementary estimates of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
By order of the House of October 30, 2007, pursuant to Standing Order 81(5), the supplementary estimates (A) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, were deemed referred to several standing committees of the House as follows: to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, Fisheries and Oceans votes 1a, 5a, and 10a.
I now call vote 1a.
Now, madame, we welcome you to speak. You can start off with a 10-minute presentation, and if any of your colleagues wish to take part of that, by all means they may.
Would you like to formally introduce your colleagues who are with you? Again, on behalf of all of my colleagues on the committee, I welcome you sincerely to the committee. You're among friends here, I can assure you. Questions will be asked in order as we go, after you're done.
Thank you.