I understand that you have the cooperation of those who testify before you, but you must admit that it is all taking place behind closed doors. Your work is not accessible to the media, nor to us. The only person to whom you are accountable is the minister, and you will submit your report to him by July 20. So, the process is certainly not transparent.
I want people to understand that when I mentioned the public's perception, I brought up your participation in the Prime Minister's advisory committee on public service renewal because the purpose of that committee is to revitalize the public service brand. At the same time, you are called upon to investigate a matter that is completely separate, but in doing so, you have to meet with people from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada, who are obviously public servants, not to mention the minister himself. That is why I think there may be a perceived conflict of interest.
So, you were not uncomfortable when the Prime Minister asked you to head this investigation? You did not think that it might be wise to leave the other committee? I am not making this up; it was talked about in the media. Consequently, I wonder whether, when you were offered the position, you ever thought....