Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Barton, going back to your claim that you don't have a close relationship with the Prime Minister, I have another quote here, and the quote is:
So, I have known him for a long time. The Prime Minister knows him well, as well, and one of the things that is really important in this complicated job is to have someone doing it who can pick up the phone at any time and speak directly to the Prime Minister, speak directly to me, someone who has that personal connection and a personal connection built up over time. Dominic is a person who has that level of trust, first and foremost, with the Prime Minister and also with me.
She also said this:
I think one of the reasons David was able to be so effective is he was in such close and direct contact with the Prime Minister and with me. Dominic will enjoy the same direct access.
That was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland talking about you, your relationship with her and your relationship with the Prime Minister. Mr. Barton, would you consider yourself a friend of former finance minister Bill Morneau?