I declare this meeting of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts open for business.
Welcome, everyone.
As we agreed earlier, the purpose of this meeting is to have a briefing, to get some background and to understand procedures, especially for new members. But having been a veteran member it's amazing how much you learn each time you go around, and I'm expecting to learn more again today.
First, with the indulgence of our guests, if they would excuse us for one moment, I will ask members if they could turn their minds to the third report of the subcommittee from October 5. It reads,
That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(g), the Committee undertake a study of Chapter 4, “Programs for First Nations on Reserves” of the 2011 Status Report of the Auditor General of Canada; and that the usual witnesses be invited to appear on Wednesday, October 19, 2011.
We had agreed to this verbally before we broke for constituency week. This is to ensure that what we're doing is legal.
With that, may I have a motion?
So moved by Mr. Kramp.
Is there any discussion?
(Motion agreed to)
On Wednesday we will do that. Thank you, committee members.
Now back to our main reason for being here today, our guests. I will ask you to introduce yourselves, and I understand there are opening remarks. We'll start with John.
Members, again, would you hold your questions until we've had all of the introductory remarks and then we will open the floor in the usual rotation. Is everybody okay with that?