I would like to thank our guests, as well.
I also want to point out that the briefing notes prepared by the Library of Parliament researchers are very clear and provide a lot of information.
As we have seen, several discussions were held on the commissioner's powers and mandate from the position's creation, in 1993, to the events that occurred in 2007, which Mr. Fauteux reminded us of. Given the environmental issues that have been growing steadily for 20 years, I think it is fair to say that the commissioner should be able to act independently and objectively, in keeping with his role of environmental steward. Perhaps we should do away with the strict logic of auditing.
Ms. Le Quéré spoke at length about what happened in England and in France, which was very interesting. That said, I will seek Mr. Fauteux's opinion.
In your view, what should be the mandate of the commissioner of the environment and sustainable development once he has become a high official of the Canadian Parliament?