I would like to call the meeting to order and extend a very warm welcome to everyone here, especially the witnesses.
This hearing will go from 3:30 to 5:30, as allocated. It's pursuant to Standing Order 108, on chapter 7, “Acquisition of Leased Office Space” of the May 2006 Report of the Auditor General of Canada. It's not specifically on that report, but the issue of the leased space of Place Victoria in the city of Montreal was raised in the report. The committee had a number of inquiries about the transaction, and we felt, based on the information we received, it would be in the best interests of everyone if we had a hearing on this matter. That resulted in today's hearing.
We have with us today, from the Department of Public Works and Government Services, their deputy minister and accounting officer, Mr. David Marshall. With Mr. Marshall is Tim McGrath, the acting assistant deputy minister, real property branch; and Mr. Mario Arès, regional manager, assets and facilities management.
From the Canada Economic Development agency we have Michelle D' Auray, president.
From Infrastructure Canada we have Mrs. Carol Beal, the assistant deputy minister, program operations branch.
And of course from the Office of the Auditor General we have Mr. Bruce Sloan, who has been with us many times before.
Again I want to welcome each and every one of you.
Monsieur Laforest.