Pat Martin at the Government Operations and Estimates Committee

I understand fully.

I have two brief issues and I have very little time.

Let me talk about one of your recommendations on the ministerial accountability and responsibility that you've made reference to. We're embroiled now, as you've noticed in the paper, in what they're calling NAFTAgate, where two of the most senior officials in the country are at the heart of this scandal.

If the rules you recommended were in fact put into effect regarding ministerial accountability, what effect would that have had on this case in point, this example we have before us today?