I would like at this point in time to call the meeting to order.
On behalf of everyone on the committee, I want to extend to all witnesses and visitors a very warm welcome.
Welcome everyone.
Colleagues, this meeting has been called today pursuant to the Standing Orders to deal with chapter 5, “Acquiring Military Vehicles for Use in Afghanistan” in the fall 2009 report of the Auditor General of Canada.
The committee is very pleased to have Auditor General Sheila Fraser with us today from the Office of the Auditor General. She is accompanied by Hugh McRoberts and Jerome Berthelette, both assistant auditors general.
From the Department of National Defence, we have the deputy minister and accounting officer, Mr. Robert Fonberg. He is accompanied by Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie, the chief of the land staff at the Department of National Defence, and Dan Ross, the assistant deputy minister, materiel, at the Department of National Defence.
From the Department of Public Works and Government Services, we have the accounting officer and deputy minister, François Guimont. He is accompanied by Terry Williston, the executive director of military procurement.
Lastly, from the Treasury Board Secretariat, we have Mr. John Ossowski, the assistant secretary for international affairs, security and justice.
On behalf of the committee, I want to welcome everyone here today. We do have a large crowd.
We're going to now ask for the opening remarks.
We're going to start with you first, Ms. Fraser. Five minutes, please.