I will say the following. The rules are clear. My expectations are crystal clear. Political staff members are not to give direction to public servants, and the Access to Information Act is to be upheld.
Chairman, the member refers to an article in a newspaper quoting anonymous sources. I'm here today. I'm here appearing on the record. I'm here appearing before a televised audience in addition to committee members. I'm speaking in my own name. I stand by what I say. I will not indulge in anonymous gossip from sources who lack the certainty or the conviction to put their own names behind what they say. If the committee chooses to indulge that, the committee has the tools and the ability to chase it down, but I will not indulge anonymous gossip.