Colleagues, I think we'll begin. It's 8:45 a.m. We are missing one of our witnesses, but I'm sure Madam Campbell is on her way.
I have a couple of quick notes before we begin our testimony. First, with your permission, colleagues, I would like to take about 10 minutes, perhaps 15 minutes, at the end of this meeting to discuss future business and potential future witnesses as we continue our study on the whistle-blowers protection act.
Second, I want to announce that Mr. Clarke will not be with us for the next two to three weeks. He is at home in his riding awaiting the arrival of his second child, so Monsieur Gourde will be with us for the next few weeks. Monsieur Gourde is an experienced parliamentarian, and also an experienced parliamentarian in government operations. He sat on the previous government operations and estimates committee for about four years, so his learning curve is not quite as steep as it would be for others.
To our witnesses, thank you very much for being here.
Colleagues, today's meeting is pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), Briefing on the Use of National Security Exceptions.
I understand all of our witnesses here have brief opening statements.
Mr. Breton, if you have your opening statement, the floor is yours.