Good afternoon, everyone.
Sorry for the delay because of the bells and the vote. We know there is another vote coming at us, so we are going to have a limited amount of time with the witnesses today.
We are starting off with our study of Bill C-15, An Act to amend the National Defence Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, which is pursuant to the order of reference to this committee on Wednesday, December 12, 2012.
We're going to welcome as our key witness today the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, the Minister of National Defence. He's no stranger to this committee.
In the interest of time, Minister, I'm going to ask if you can bring your opening comments. My hope is that before bells start ringing, we'll get around to each party for their one round of questioning.
With that, Minister, you have the floor.