I just want to take a moment to remark on the circumstances in which the commissioner has to decided to end his term early. It's due to persistent health challenges. I know these have been a tough couple of years for everyone. These are very trying times, with changes to their work schedule, and he has a commission with lots of staff to run, and he had to adapt to all of that. I would also note that he's been kept quite busy by members and designated public office holders over the last couple of years.
I want to offer a quick quote from the Commissioner. He said:
I firmly believe that educating regulatees and the public about the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest serves to help restore Canadians' trust in public officials and the institutions in which they serve and, ultimately, in our democracy.
I appreciate the commissioner's work over his tenure and, of course, I know that I can confidently speak for all of my colleagues on this committee when we wish him good health and the best of luck in his future pursuits.
Thanks, Chair.
I'll turn now to questions. I'll start with Mr. Conacher.
I want to pick up on the quote from our outgoing commissioner. That's about the confidence that Canadians have in their public institutions.
What do you think the effect of these proposed changes will be on Canadians' confidence in their public institutions?