I would like at this time to call the meeting to order and welcome everyone on behalf of the committee, especially the witnesses here today.
This meeting has been called according to the Standing Orders, and we're here to talk about chapter 1, “Gender-Based Analysis”, of the spring 2009 report of the Auditor General of Canada.
The committee has before it today a number of witnesses. This is larger than usual. Representing the Office of the Auditor General we have the Auditor General, Sheila Fraser. She is accompanied by Richard Domingue, principal.
From the Treasury Board Secretariat we are very pleased to have Madame Michelle d'Auray, the Secretary of the Treasury Board. And I should point out, colleagues, that I believe this is Ms. d'Auray's first appearance before the public accounts committee. She was recently appointed Secretary of the Treasury Board.
The Treasury Board, on behalf of the executive, and the public accounts committee, on behalf of the legislative branch of government, have very similar--if not the same--objectives, and that is the promotion of good administration and the exposure of bad administration. And certainly on behalf of the committee I want to wish Madame d'Auray all the best in her new role. We look forward to a good working relationship.
Madame d'Auray is accompanied by Catrina Tapley, executive director and gender-based analysis champion.
From the Privy Council Office we're pleased to have Neil Bouwer, assistant secretary to the cabinet, social development policy.
From the Department of Finance, we have Louise Levonian, assistant deputy minister.
Finally, from Status of Women Canada we have Nanci-Jean Waugh, director general, communications and strategic planning directorate, and Hélène Dwyer-Renaud, director, gender-based analysis support services.
Again, welcome to everyone.
I understand we have two opening remarks. I will ask the Auditor General to deliver her remarks right now.
Thank you very much.