Government Operations committee  No.

Government Operations committee  I don't even know what contract he talked about. It's quite simple. I have no idea about the contract in question, except for what came out at the start of this affair.

Government Operations committee  Once.

Government Operations committee  I don't remember saying that.

Government Operations committee  No.

Government Operations committee  It was a general discussion about the fact that he seemed to be having trouble breaking into the Ottawa market. It didn't concern any contract in particular.

Government Operations committee  No specific message was forwarded. It was a general conversation about the fact that he was having trouble breaking into the Ottawa market. That may be a topic that my colleagues at the Ottawa office discussed, but, generally speaking, by saying that people might be complaining that it was difficult to get established and bid on government contracts.

Government Operations committee  I don't remember. I remember meeting Mr. Sauvé, but I don't remember who asked me, or how, or when.

Government Operations committee  A little slower?

Government Operations committee  I, Bernard Côté, do solemnly, sincerely, and truthfully affirm and declare the taking of any oath is according to my religious beliefs unlawful. I do also solemnly, sincerely, and truly affirm and declare that the evidence I shall give on this examination shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Government Operations committee  Ladies and gentlemen, members of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates, I would like to make an opening statement before taking any questions. I had the great pleasure and privilege of working with the Honourable Michael Fortier from April 2006 to June 2008 as director of his Montreal office in the context of his duties as Minister responsible for Greater Montreal.

Government Operations committee  No, this is the copy I have.

Government Operations committee  As I was saying, I worked at the minister's regional office located in Old Montreal. My first reason for accepting the position was to advance the files that would enable the greater Montreal area to accelerate its development in the interests of all its citizens. I am very proud to have contributed to the execution of a number of important files such as the transfer of surplus federal lands to the Canada Lands Company for the development of Montreal's New Harbourfront, construction of the Quartier des spectacles, the expansion of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal, and the announcement of the new Planétarium de Montréal.