Thank you, Mr. Chair.
And thank you, gentlemen.
There is no doubt that CFIA has moved substantially ahead since 1997, and we're pretty proud about that. Brian, as chief veterinarian, you're recognized around the world, and I think you're one of the best around the world. I certainly congratulate you on that.
Our concern is not with you, and it's not with the agency. Our concern is with the political bosses and the Prime Minister's Office. It's with a Prime Minister who has made no secret about his desire to basically devolve the federal government to being nothing less than Defence and Foreign Affairs. That's where our concerns arise.
I need to ask you these questions. In terms of your presentation, were you given any direction? I mean, earlier Brian kind of indicated what you might say. Were you given any direction by either the minister or the deputy on what you should say to this committee?