I want to draw the committee to the conclusion of the commissioner. The determination here was that I had failed to recuse myself. It wasn't the contract amount, because that met the rules. It wasn't the work itself, which was done and performed under severe timelines; and it was not the fact that a qualified firm was indeed retained. I have apologized. I recognize that mistake and that error.
I also recognize that I have to work even harder to demonstrate to the Canadian public that I have work to do to make sure they understand that I take this seriously, which I do, along with the proactive work that has to be done, that is being done. I've initiated a screen with the Ethics Commissioner between Pomp & Circumstance, Ms. Alvaro, and myself and my office. I've arranged for training, which will take place within a month, delivered by the commissioner to my own staff as well. As well, I continue to work with the commissioner.
I would also say that a lesson I have learned here is that the commissioner is there as a resource, and should there ever be any questions that need advice, we could certainly be reaching out more, and I also intend to do that. Those are the various steps. I think for me, as a responsible public office holder, that is my work, and I need to keep doing that hard work for Canadians.