I will call this meeting to order.
Thank you all for being here, particularly in such inclement weather.
Thank you, Minister. This is your first time appearing before this committee. I'm sure it won't be the last. Welcome.
Colleagues, originally I thought we could ask the minister if he could dispense with his opening remarks and go straight to questions.
However, my understanding is, Minister, that you don't have any prepared remarks but you do have an opening statement. In that case, we'll go forward with the traditional 10-minute opening statement, followed by questions.
With that, Minister, I'm sure you know the drill at committees by now. If you would care to open the meeting with your opening statement, perhaps right after you introduce your officials at the head table with you, then you may proceed.