Ladies and gentlemen, I'll call the meeting to order.
This is the 27th meeting of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. We are discussing the estimates today. We are televised as well.
Pursuant to the order of reference of Tuesday, April 25, 2006, we are discussing the main estimates for 2006 and 2007. We are discussing the votes. I won't read all the votes, but these are the votes under Industry Canada.
We have with us three special guests.
We have the Minister of Industry, the Honourable Maxime Bernier. Welcome, Minister.
We have the deputy minister for the Department of Industry, Richard Dicerni. Welcome, sir.
We also have with us the senior associate deputy minister, Carole Swan. Welcome, Carole.
Minister, we will have an opening statement from you of up to ten minutes. Then we will proceed directly to questions from members of the committee.
You may begin at any time, Minister. Welcome. We look forward to your opening remarks.