I call the meeting to order.
Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to meeting number seven of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
Today we are studying the supplementary estimates (B) 2013–14 as they pertain to Employment and Social Development Canada.
For the first hour today, we have with us the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development. Along with Minister Kenney are Ian Shugart, deputy minister; Karen Jackson, senior associate deputy minister of Employment and Social Development and chief operating officer for Service Canada; and Mr. Alain Séguin, chief financial officer. Furthermore, from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, we have Steven Mennill, vice-president of policy, research and planning.
On behalf of the committee, we'd like to thank you, Minister Kenney, for taking the time to be with us today. I know you have some opening remarks prepared, so I'll turn the floor over to you for your presentation.