Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you for being here, Mr. Marleau.
For some time, we have known that the various people who would be appointed, such as the Auditor General, would prefer to be appointed using what we call an open ballot instead of a secret ballot.
You are aware that a secret ballot has the advantage of providing freedom to the people who are voting. For example, in unions, voting by a show of hands has been replaced by a secret ballot in order to enable union members to vote more freely for a proposed agreement.
In this case, would a secret ballot not give all members more freedom?
Secondly, I would also like to understand the link you make with removal. It is quite uncommon—at least I have not seen it very often—for removal to be by way of a secret ballot. The removal procedure is generally as follows. For example, a problem is raised with the members of a committee, and the board of directors removes the person involved after having heard from him, in accordance with certain procedures.
I am trying to understand how you would be able to remove someone by way of a secret ballot. I know that it can be done, but that is quite a rare procedure. I have rarely seen that kind of a procedure in the organizations I have belonged to. Perhaps you have examples to give us. I would like to hear you on that.
Thank you.