We take it very seriously. We examine every complaint that is brought to our attention, whether directly or through a report in the media. Clearly, there are repercussions on our relationship with the country in which the company in question is carrying out its activities.
With your permission, I will continue in English.
What we normally do is that officials--both at headquarters and in our office abroad, where the company activities may be located, as well as our regional offices, should that be appropriate--will consult with the key parties who would be able to provide us with additional information. Obviously we have to undertake a process of due diligence to better understand why the complaint has been brought forward. We seek to draw information from as many of the parties involved as possible, including the company, civil society organizations, local government, indigenous communities should they be affected--all the possible parties who could help us understand whether there is a foundation to the complaint.
In terms of what we seek to do in those situations, we're very conscious of the diplomatic and legal restrictions with which our presence is governed abroad. We have to assess the implications that the diplomatic and legal restrictions could have on our ability to act. That being said, our approach is to offer our good offices, to open a dialogue among interested parties with a view to seeking a constructive and results-oriented remedy should there be a well-founded concern about misbehaviour or improper behaviour on the part of the company.
Should the issue that has been brought forward prove to be vexatious or in bad faith, then obviously it is important to clarify that at a very early date because of the potentially very negative impact that could have on the reputation of not only Canada but also the company in question.