Good morning, everyone. Welcome to meeting 25 of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
The order of the day, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), is a study of the current status of navigation protection of the Canadian waterways, including their governance and use, and the operation of the current Navigable Waters Protection Act.
Joining us today is Mr. Ron Middleton, the director of environmental management services for the Ministry of Transportation in Alberta.
Just for the committee's understanding, Alberta is here today representing not only themselves, but B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. We have distributed the letter the provinces have sent to the committee in support of the presentation, just so that you're aware. It was distributed by e-mail yesterday. If you have it, then you'll know who Mr. Middleton is representing and speaking for.
I'm sure you've been made aware of all the rules and regulations. It's basically a seven- to ten-minute presentation, and then members will have questions.
Mr. Middleton.