Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Wernick, thank you for being with us.
At the outset, you emphasized that people in the private sector shouldn't be discouraged from running for a position in politics. Political life is very demanding, and it involves sacrifices. One has to make a choice.
In our review of the Conflict of Interest Act, should we be focused on one central point, namely not discouraging people from running for office?
Instead, shouldn't we consider, for example, that the highest office requires the highest level of exemplary behaviour, which implies the highest level of transparency?
First and foremost, our role here is not to be a staffing agency, but to try to recruit people as much as possible.
The fact remains that running for office is always a personal decision that involves sacrifices. If people with assets don't wish to comply with a more restrictive law, they won't get into politics, period.
Do you see that as a real problem? Do you think that should be the committee's main concern?