Natural Resources committee  Yes.

Natural Resources committee  We received the lists drawn up by the chairman and the committee together. So far, there has been no request of this type. However, this aspect is part of the committee researcher's report. That is one part of the study that will be done.

Natural Resources committee  I am in the hands of the committee, Mr. Chairman. If you want to invite the mayor of Fort McMurray, I will give him a call.

Natural Resources committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Essentially, this budget is for the study of the oil sands and will allow us to cover the costs of witnesses, because I anticipated that we'd be hearing a lot of witnesses from western Canada. As you'll see, I budgeted for ten witnesses from Calgary and Ed

Natural Resources committee  The Liaison Committee meets on Thursday at one o'clock, so that's when we would be appearing.

Natural Resources committee  If you like, I can place a call to our logistics person and have her send us numbers while we're in committee.

Natural Resources committee  No, he wouldn't be. The committee will pay for the committee members, Mr. Chair, and I've informed Mr. Bevington's assistant that we will make the arrangements, in terms of making sure there is a room available for him, but he would incur the costs of that, unless the committee d

Natural Resources committee  Mr. Chairman, I think this point was raised at the last committee meeting, and the Conservative Party commented on it. I do not know whether I can give you any details on this.

Natural Resources committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. The budget, as broken down in the back of the document, has been done based on formulas that are essentially management-approved numbers. You obviously budget more than you'll actually need for the trip. For instance, the ticketing fee is a standard $1,000

Natural Resources committee  Yes, absolutely. I'm working on organizing the puzzle right now.

Natural Resources committee  The lists have been submitted to me. I have contacted the department to appear that week, as per the committee's recommendation. We have scheduled someone else for that week, but on that, I will be circulating a calendar, much as I did this spring, and the committee will be able

Natural Resources committee  Honourable members of the committee, I see there's a quorum. Pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), our first order of business in the election of the Chair of the committee. I'm ready to receive motions to the effect of the election of chair. Mr. Trost.

Natural Resources committee  Mr. Trost nominates Mr. Lee Richardson as the chair of the committee. Are there any other motions? Seeing no other motions, is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion?

Natural Resources committee  I declare Mr. Richardson chair of the committee.

Natural Resources committee  Before inviting Mr. Richardson to take the chair, we will proceed to the election of the first vice-chair. I am ready to receive motions for the election of the first vice-chair. which, according to the rules, has to be a member of the official opposition. Monsieur St. Amand.