Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to join my colleagues in welcoming you all here today. I did appreciate the minister's opening remarks.
From the short time that I've been on the government operations and estimates committee and learned about the work of this department, I think you are to be commended on a number of fronts. Whether it's the process used in the staffing reductions and Shared Services Canada, the national shipbuilding procurement strategy, or being named one of the top 100 employers, I think you are doing very commendable work.
I had the opportunity to tour some of the renovations that are taking place on the parliamentary precinct. I noted that in the public works main estimates there is a reduction of $75.2 million for the long-term vision and plan for the necessary renovation and rehabilitation of the parliamentary precinct. I believe the minister alluded to it being on budget and on time, but I would like to give you an opportunity to give us a little bit more detail around that.
Before you do that, I just want to say that I think every member of Parliament needs to go on this tour to see what is actually happening in those buildings.
Thank you.