Thank you.
As has been pointed out and underlined this morning, Rights and Democracy is an autonomous organization set up at arm's length from government. For the record I will state again, as I have in every one of these committee hearings, that this is not a matter this committee should be studying. As a committee we are asked to study matters of international affairs and development.
I recognize that I have said previously that this is an internal staffing issue in an arm's-length organization. I recognize that indeed this issue is a lot larger than a staffing problem. However, again I state on behalf of the government members that this is not the correct forum for this to be carried out. That said, because we are into it and because the questions have been asked by the opposition, I will engage in the same kinds of questions they may be asking.
I'm rather curious. Was it after the January 7 meeting that there was the tragic passing of Mr. Beauregard? Is that correct?