Thank you, Mr. Szabo.
I'm pleased to sit on this committee, especially given that the issue of ethics has been greatly affecting the public service, recently. Over the last few years, I've been sitting on the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. I now sit on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
The commissioner mentioned that under the present act, she could not intervene on ethical matters and that her role was rather limited. Could you give us your opinion on this matter and explain the rationale for comments she made at the meeting held last October 20th?
Further, could you tell us where we can get details on the relationship between public office holders and lobbyists as well as individuals not registered on the lobbyists' registry? I would like to know how and where this information is to be found and how Treasury Board and the Privy Council perceive the matter.