As a point of correction, the initial letter identifying nominees for appointment was sent to Minister Baird. The decision was made by Minister Prentice.
I don't want to suggest that this is indicative of political interference. The concern, given that it had not previously happened, given that COSEWIC's experience since the passage of SARA has been that the result of this nomination process is one in which it submits names to the federal minister for consideration for appointment to COSEWIC, and it has never previously resulted in a rejection of COSEWIC's advice....
This being the first time in which that had taken place, it raised concerns in my mind as chair about the degree to which it influenced or affected COSEWIC in the short term and the long term. That's why I indicated that we now do not have a co-chair responsible for amphibians on the committee; this is a short-term ramification of the decision. In the longer term, given that the act makes it quite clear in my mind that COSEWIC is meant to be an independent, arm's-length body, if society or if anyone should perceive through the rejection of COSEWIC's advice that the committee is not composed of independent individuals, then that might compromise the integrity of COSEWIC's advice and compromise the confidence that decision-makers can have in that advice. That's why I raised the point.