Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you very much for your presentation. I would like to ask two questions.
On page four of your presentation under “Establishment of the Office”, paragraph five reads:
Another challenge was to ensure this new organization was designed with the right governance and accountability structures to ensure our day-to-day activities were conducted properly. We wanted to become a model of those same internal management and accountability practices that we were created to promote—
How are the governance and accountability structures that you established for your organization different from those that already exist in other government organizations? That is my first question.
I have a second question.
I'd like to better understand your role as the Public Service Integrity Commissioner, as a means of bringing accountability to the people of Canada. Given the current Prime Minister's tight-fisted control of all aspects of government and his micro-managerial style, there is a concern being expressed by many in the public that your office could become a tool to root out experts who disagree with the government's position: for instance, scientists who call for action on Kyoto, child care experts calling for universal child care, aboriginal experts--and I'm talking about within the government--who defend Kelowna.
So I'd like to know how you as the commissioner are going to ensure that while you and your office protect the public service integrity, you do not become a tool of control and censorship for the government in place. And what powers do you have to ensure enforcing the rights of public servants whose expert opinion makes them a target by the current government?