Thank you, Madam Chair.
First off, before we really get going, I have a point of order. I know that our two lawyers and legal experts are here. Obviously, we welcome them. Obviously, these sometimes cannot be the easiest of times, to sit here and watch Parliament, so we thank them for being here and exercising such patience and diligence to be ready at a moment's notice. First and foremost, I want to say that.
Madam Chair, my recollection is that we were to have the minister here. We don't have the minister here. I am inquiring as to how and why that occurred.