Thank you, Ms. Hepfner and Mr. Bélisle.
Under normal circumstances, it would now be the Bloc québécois' turn to speak, but I'm the only Bloc member on this committee. As I am chairing today, I'm going to request that my colleagues allow me to ask Mr. Bélisle a question, if that's all right with them. I'll take as little speaking time as possible, because I do indeed want to give my colleagues the time they need for their questions.
I am acquainted with Mr. Bélisle, because he was the director of the Joliette art museum, and we met a few times.
I and many others had been concerned in recent years over something that was happening at the National Gallery of Canada. I'm talking about the thrust or direction they were attempting to give to the gallery's mission, which was an exaggerated emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion. I don't want to put words in anyone's mouth, but that's where the gallery was headed.
Mr. Bélisle, I'd like to know how you intend to guard against any ideological influence that might come from sources like politicians or a board of directors. I know that you are now here with a blank slate in front of you and that you intend to look to the future and do great things for the gallery, but you are no doubt aware of what's been happening in recent years. How do you intend to counter this kind of influence while you are heading the gallery?