Ladies and gentlemen, at this point in time I'd like to call the meeting to order.
I want to welcome everyone here.
I want to welcome to the committee Mr. Michael Wernick. Michael is the new Deputy Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
He has asked to appear before the committee, and the committee certainly welcomes his presence. He was unable to attend the last meeting because of an emergency. The steering committee agreed that it is important to have the deputy here as part of the chapter we're writing on some of the issues surrounding the recommendations coming from the Auditor General's office dealing with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
Mr. Wernick, I understand you have an opening statement. The floor is yours.