Pursuant to Standing Order 81(4), on main estimates 2009-2010, I would like to welcome here today the Minister of HRSDC, Ms. Finley; and Rona Ambrose, the Minister of Labour. Thank you for being here. We haven't seen you in front of our committee before, so it's great that you're both here with us, and of course your respective deputy ministers.
I'll start with you, Minister Finley. I know you have an opening statement of about ten minutes. Then I'll move to Minister Ambrose for an opening statement of ten minutes or so.
As is the tradition, the first round of questioning is for seven minutes, followed by subsequent rounds of five minutes each for questions and answers.
Thank you once again for taking time out of what I know is your very busy schedule to be here to talk about the estimates.
Ms. Finley, the floor is yours.