Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Minister, for joining us.
In the 2017-18 budget, the Canadian exploration expenses tax credit for new oil and gas exploration drilling was cut, unless drilling is proven to be unsuccessful. An access to information request released emails that show that the finance minister did not consult you and you were caught off guard by it on budget day. I worry sometimes that you may be sidelined in decisions related to your portfolio.
For the purpose of these estimates, were you fully involved in the negotiations and decision for taxpayers to pay for the government's failure to exert federal jurisdiction, and for the existing Trans Mountain pipeline?