Thank you, Madam Chair.
Ms. Ryan, I want to address one aspect that I consider quite important.
I know that, at this point in your career, you still have a number of years to work with competence and integrity. However, we looked at the situation of all the former parliamentary budget officers, including Mr. Fréchette, Mr. Page and Mr. Giroux. Mr. Jacques is likely to remain in the federal machine. I believe that this was the original agreement. However, none of the others returned to the federal machine after their term. On reflection, perhaps you don't want a second term. You don't want to owe anyone anything, in a sense, for your appointment. However, if you return to the federal machine after having strongly criticized it, things could turn out badly for you.
I myself tabled Bill C‑290 regarding whistle-blowers. We heard testimonies. We know that, in many ways, this machine isn't easy on people who step outside the fold a bit.
I want to know whether you think that we could strengthen the independence of the parliamentary budget officer. At the time of their appointment, we could first require that they serve only one term. Above all, we could require that they remain outside the federal machine for a certain period after their term.