I want to welcome everyone here today, especially the witnesses.
This meeting is called pursuant to the Standing Orders. We're dealing with chapter 3, “Human Resources Management--Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada”. This chapter is from the May 2007 Report of the Auditor General of Canada.
Before the committee today we're very pleased to have Auditor General Sheila Fraser. She's accompanied by assistant auditor Richard Flageole, together with principals Marie Bergeron and Paul Morse. We have, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the accounting officer and deputy minister, Len Edwards. He's accompanied by Michael Small, assistant deputy minister, human resources. From the Treasury Board Secretariat we have Hélène Laurendeau, assistant secretary, labour relations and compensation operations.
I want to extend a warm welcome to everyone here on behalf of the committee.
I understand, Ms. Fraser, you have some opening comments, so I will turn the floor over to you at this time.