I'd like at this point in time to call the meeting to order and welcome everyone, including the witnesses and members.
This is our first meeting since June. I trust that everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing summer and that everyone is glad to be back on Parliament Hill.
This meeting, colleagues, has been called pursuant to the Standing Orders to deal with chapter 5, “Financial Management and Control--National Defence”, of the spring 2009 Report of the Auditor General of Canada.
The committee is very pleased to have before us today a number of witnesses.
First of all, representing the Office of the Auditor General is of course Sheila Fraser, the Auditor General. She is accompanied by Jerome Berthelette, Assistant Auditor General; and Dale MacMillan, Principal.
From the Department of National Defence, we have Robert Fonberg, Deputy Minister and accounting officer; William F. Pentney, Associate Deputy Minister; Kevin Lindsey, Assistant Deputy Minister, Finance and Corporate Services; and Vice-Admiral Denis Rouleau, Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff.
Welcome to each and every one of you.
Before we actually commence the meeting, I want to point out that the committee will be very pleased and honoured to welcome some very special guests later on. We will be joined by some guests from the country of Mali. I understand they are held up in security.
We do have here the counterpart to our Auditor General, the Auditor General of Mali, Mr. Sidi Sosso Diarra.
Mr. Diarra, please stand up and be recognized. Welcome to the committee.