Thank you very much for coming, witnesses. I can appreciate that this is very difficult testimony for you.
I just want to state that I made several important points two weeks ago detailing the fact that Rights and Democracy is an arm's-length organization. This committee should be discussing many pressing international subjects that we're tasked with instead of attempting to micromanage an organization that “is not an agency of Her Majesty”.
I state very forcefully that the only role this committee has with your organization is to study international policy and financial information. That is the role of this committee with respect to Rights & Democracy. It is not to have a forum such as we have had this morning.
That said, there have been some things that we are aware of in public and also that have been said this morning. Therefore, I think we do have to ask some questions, regrettably.
Ms. Cloutier, did you refuse to carry out your duties as secretary to the board until your demands were met for the resignation of specific board members?