Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Young, I just noted that at the end of your comments you said, “Your invitation to appear before the Committee obviously is a timely one. Selection of the PBO is a decision of the government and I am currently waiting for the decision.” That's contrary to my understanding of how the position would be established. My understanding is that this isn't a finance department function and it's not a government function; it's a function independent of the library to put someone in place.
I guess, obviously, the first question I have, and I think it's a relevant question, and I'm not looking to come down on you, is why this is taking so long. I'm looking at the timeline. You indicate in March 2006 that the discussions had started, so it was imminent that this would happen. We had royal assent of the Federal Accountability Act on December 12, 2006. That's 14 months ago.
We sit today with this position not filled. I think that's the relevant question. I have looked at the timing you presented with respect to who you brought in to consider. You brought a search firm in on August 28, 2007, and on November 30, 2007, there was a blue ribbon selection committee composed. But again, that's almost a year after the act received royal assent. Could we have moved a little quicker on this?