Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to the second meeting of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. The orders of the day, pursuant to Standing Order 81(5), are the supplementary estimates (B) for 2008-09: votes 1b, 5b, 10b, 20b, 30b, 35b, 35b, 40b, 45b, 55b and 75b under Transport, referred to the committee on Thursday, January 29.
Joining us today is the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities; and the Minister of State for Transportation, Mr. Rob Merrifield; and I see Mr. Louis Ranger.
We thank the minister for attending. As you're probably aware, there are several questions members would like to ask you, and if you can get through your opening comments as conveniently and quickly as you possibly can, we'll get at it.
With that, Mr. Baird, I'll welcome you. Please proceed.