Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Professor Tassé, for being here today. I found your opening statement just bang on. I think you've covered all of the right points. I wish I had more time so that I could go through them all with you.
I want to start with conflict of interest. You talked about how, essentially, because of the pandemic, the procurement rules that would normally apply did not apply. For reasons of speed, the government felt it was necessary to get these programs out the door. Wouldn't that be all the more reason for politicians in positions of authority, having a fiduciary duty, to make sure they were not in conflict with the Conflict of Interest Act?
For example, the Prime Minister recognized, in his testimony, that there were potential conflicts, but he chose not to recuse himself from discussion, decision, debate or even a vote in cabinet. The finance minister, we also know, has had similar problems, and he later came out and apologized.
What do you make of the fact that they did not recuse themselves in this case?