Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to call the meeting to order. I want to welcome everyone here. I especially want to extend a warm welcome to our witnesses who are here before us today. This is the first public meeting of the public accounts committee in the fall session, although we did have two meetings last week. I want to welcome you back to the session.
We have this afternoon's standing order, a review of chapter 4, the Canadian firearms program, of the May 2006 report of the Auditor General of Canada. With us, ladies and gentlemen, we do have the Auditor General, Sheila Fraser. With her is Peter Kasurak, senior principal.
From the Department of Public Works and Government Services we have Ian Bennett, the acting assistant deputy minister, acquisitions branch.
From the National Police Services of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police we have Mr. Peter Martin, the deputy commissioner.
From the Canada Firearms Centre we have Monsieur François Bidal, the director general, and also with him is Denis Bilodeau, senior counsel and head of legal services.
We are expecting Mr. William Baker appearing as an individual. Of course, Mr. Baker was the former commissioner of the Canada Firearms Centre, and hopefully he will be along momentarily.
Before calling upon the Auditor General to make her initial opening remarks, I believe Mr. Nadeau has a point of information or a point of order.