Honourable senators, today we have with us for Question Period the Honourable Stephanie McLean, P.C., M.P., Secretary of State (Seniors), to respond to questions concerning her ministerial responsibilities. On behalf of all senators, I welcome the secretary.

Secretary, as I have noted to the Senate, a main question is limited to one minute, and your response to one minute and 30 seconds. The question and answer for a supplementary question are both limited to 45 seconds. The reading clerk stands 10 seconds before these times expire. I ask everyone to respect these times. Question Period will last 64 minutes.