Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I note that we had talked to the government operations and estimate committee, and part of their representation from the Liberal members at the time was that it actually should go in front of the procedure and House affairs committee.
I know that when Ms. Dawson was in front of the procedure and House affairs committee, she said:
I've said this before in some of my previous reports. The objectives of the act—and there are five objectives—encourage experienced and competent people to seek and accept public office. I've said on other occasions that this may brush up against some of the onerous rules of divestment with which people have to comply. So there's a balance; there's always a balance here. Certainly there have been on occasion instances when people have not accepted public office because of the stringency of the rules.
I would suggest, Mr. Chair, that we know Mr. Wright has actually spoken with the Conflict of Interest Commissioner, and she has reviewed everything—similar to Mr. Lee—and has given her approval of the terms by which Mr. Wright will be working as the chief of staff to the Prime Minister. And they will work closely together, as we do.
I don't think we need to talk about this. We don't need to bring this forward. But if we do, I'd perhaps provide a friendly amendment that if in this instance we deem it to be important, we consider calling Derek Lee back before this committee and we investigate the terms of his contract with silent partners. It's clear to me that the Liberals have changed their mind with respect to that.
I wonder if Mr. Easter would accept that as a friendly amendment.