Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Minister, the question to you is on the importance of the independence of officers of Parliament. For example, yesterday we learned that the Ethics Commissioner is actually the sister-in-law of Minister LeBlanc, who is the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. I have trouble believing I'm even saying that because it seems so absurd.
Last fall, when the Auditor General's report was tabled, I was in the House when you were asked a question. You said something to the effect of you felt the Auditor General's findings were skewed because she had been pressured by the Conservatives.
Given the importance of the independence of an office like the Auditor General, could you advise the committee if you still feel that way, or if you'd like to retract that statement?