Good afternoon to everyone. I would like to apologize to our two witnesses. We are an hour late because of parliamentary proceedings, but I am very pleased to see you here.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the Committee on Monday, February 23, 2009, we will continue, in the company of our witnesses, our study on Arctic sovereignty.
I am pleased to welcome Mr. Whitney Lackenbauer, associate professor and chair of the Department of History of St-Jerome's University, as well as Mr. Louis Fortier, scientific director, Network of Centres of Excellence ArticNet.
Good afternoon, gentleman.
Professor Lackenbauer, you can start, and then we'll listen to Professor Fortier.
The floor is yours for seven minutes.