Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I will. I just have a very short statement to make, and then, if I may, I will move to my witnesses.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Budget Measures Implementation Act is a consolidation of the most significant legislative changes necessary to implement the plans upon which the 1996-97 budget is based. Each component of this legislation is required to implement a particular aspect of the budget. Any substantial change to the act would require a change to the appropriation bill and an increase in the projected deficit for 1996-97.
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed each component of the act and has held public consultations. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.