Thank you, Minister, and again, thank you for your appearance here today and to the group of staff members you brought along with you.
Before I go to questions, I would like to welcome Mr. Trudel back to this committee. As well, I know Mr. Zimmer is filling in for somebody, and he's in the committee room, so I welcome Bob to this committee.
I'd also like to give a big welcome to a hero of mine to some degree, Mr. Simms, a fellow Newfoundland MP and someone who has cheered this committee and been a part of this committee for quite some time. It's good to have him back to fill in for one of the members today. I'm sure he'll be a great contributor to the debate as we go forward this evening.
I will now go to Mr. Bragdon for six minutes or less.
Go ahead, please, for your question.