National Defence committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman, ladies, gentlemen, members of the committee. First I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet with you so soon after taking this job. Let me tell you a few things about myself. I am 66 years old, a retired judge of the Federal Court

National Defence committee  On June 18 of this year, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, appointed me Commissioner of the Communications Security Establishment. I must admit that it was with some apprehension and trepidation that I agreed to return—part time, I should specify—to publi

National Defence committee  Good afternoon, Mr. Malo.

National Defence committee  It would be better to put that question to Mr. Adams. In my view, what you're telling me is a matter that is really the responsibility of CSE, and I am not in a position today to give you an answer on that point.

National Defence committee  I'll speak to my team about it. I'm making a note of your question. If necessary, I can send you a brief answer to let you know my attitude on the subject.

National Defence committee  When I say my learning is beginning, that's because the field in which I am now involved is absolutely enormous. I visited CSE's offices and I saw how the interception of foreign communications worked. There are all kinds of information that I fundamentally had absolutely no idea

National Defence committee  Absolutely, yes.

National Defence committee  Yes.

National Defence committee  Are you asking me whether I agree that our budget should be cut?

National Defence committee  I'll have to get back to you on that point because I was expecting to be asked if I wanted our budget to be increased. On that matter, I believe—

National Defence committee  Currently, we're satisfied with the budget put at our disposal. Our team is able to properly do the work we have to do. With regard to cuts, if obligations are imposed on us, we will obviously have to act accordingly. Quite honestly, I wouldn't be able to answer that question to

National Defence committee  Unfortunately, that's a matter over which I have absolutely no control. You'll have to request permission from Mr. Adams, the chief of the Establishment.

National Defence committee  Not technically, at least at this stage.

National Defence committee  Thank you all the more for those remarks, Mr. LeBlanc, since 40 years ago, I occupied an office on the first floor while your father occupied a much larger office above, and that made a lot of people jealous.

National Defence committee  Is that all?