Government Operations committee  I introduced him to Mr. Sauvé. Mr. Pichet sat down with us for a few minutes and matters stopped there. I introduced four or five individuals to Mr. Sauvé that lunchtime.

Government Operations committee  It's by word of mouth. I've been in the same occupation for about 40 years. Incidentally, I forgot to mention, even though I wanted to emphasize this, that I am not a lobbyist. I'm a strategic communications and business development consultant. I've been doing this kind of work for about 40 years.

Government Operations committee  I've had a lot of clients in recent years, I've obviously had some in the private sector. Mr. Chairman, I don't know whether I'm being ordered to name them, but I haven't requested permission from those clients to name them today.

Government Operations committee  I can do that. Do you want to know all those from last year?

Government Operations committee  Did you say those from the last three years?

Government Operations committee  Yes, all right.

Government Operations committee  In 1976 or 1977, I was sentenced to pay a fine, but I did not receive a criminal record.

Government Operations committee  That was about 30 years ago. I don't remember exactly what was involved. It's been 33 years.

Government Operations committee  I, Gilles Varin, swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.

Government Operations committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for welcoming me here today. It's a pleasure for me to accept this invitation in order to correct certain statements that have been reported in the newspapers. First of all, I would like to make an initial correction. Reference has been made to $140,000 or $150,000, but that figure is incorrect.