We've been advised that they need this room for the budget. We looked around for other rooms, Dr. Bennett, and there just isn't anything available that day. I also understand that, traditionally on budget day, this is common practice because of the unavailability of rooms. But thank you for that question.
Does anybody else have a question?
Are you all in agreement, then, that the February meeting will be cancelled in lieu of budget day?
Thank you.
Going on, the last item of business I want to bring before you is that there will be a very short pause—and I should tell this to the witnesses too—before the minister comes to the table at 12:15. That will allow the minister to assume his place at the witness table and it will give the witnesses a chance to remove themselves, if they don't mind. The witnesses are welcome to stay, it's just that the minister and his people will be here. That's just to let you know. I'll give you the cue when that happens.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Tuesday, January 20, 2008, I would like to welcome the witnesses who are with us today on the subject of the supply of radioisotopes.
We have with us Grant Malkoske, who is the vice-president of strategic technologies, and David McInnes, who is the vice-president of international relations, both of whom are from MDS Nordion; and Douglas Abrams, who is the president of the Canadian Society of Nuclear Medicine.
I would like to remind witnesses that you have ten minutes per organization to make your presentations, and after the presentations we will proceed to questions.
I welcome you today. We're quite anxiously looking forward to hearing what you have to say.
Let us begin with the witnesses from MDS Nordion.