I see a quorum, colleagues. We're starting a little later than normal.
We are continuing today, under Standing Order 108, with our review of the economic stimulus package. We're delighted to have with us the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
There's a great deal of interest about the stimulus package in Parliament and across Canada. I want to note, as we get into this, that I've been working with the staff to generate a picture of the procedure that is and isn't there surrounding the stimulus package. There has been a modification to the normal process of authorization of government spending to expedite the stimulus package. As a result, there may be some procedural adjustments that this committee should be undertaking to respond to that.
We're very much looking forward to the minister's testimony today and the information we will be receiving next week. The minister is here for only the first hour, so I will have to be very strict about my own speaking and the time of members.
Welcome, Mr. Baird. We're very interested in hearing your comments on the stimulus package.