Let me begin by explaining the reason why I resigned. I have been thinking of leaving my job for the past three or four years. There have been opportunities. As I thought them over, I was told that I could not leave.
This time, I seized the opportunity. I did not ask for it, it was offered to me. The organization asked whether I was available. I gave the same answer as the one I gave to the journalists who put this question to me many times. Although the organization was not making an offer and was only inquiring about my availability, I still wanted to be in a position to accept its offer as well as to give eight weeks notice before my resignation. Eight weeks is no small matter.
Obviously, I took a chance, because the organization could have changed its mind, in the course of its selection process. I had to show due diligence to meet the organization's requirements. I wanted to be in a position to accept the offer without getting trapped again. In fact, it was argued that I could not leave at a time like this. That was what prompted my decision.
Now we can wonder about what could have happened had that not been the case. But that would only be speculation. I felt confident. I do not know whether this is a quality or a defect, but there you have it.
I offered some general advice to my successor when Ms. Malloy, of the Hill Times, asked me a similar question. I advised him to become familiar with electoral management as soon as possible, because there could be an election any time.
I am aware of the positions that the different parties express from time to time, and I find that they are entirely reasonable. However, the Chief Electoral Officer cannot afford to stick to one single approach. That is what I did up to last Friday, the last day of my mandate. I made all the necessary decisions in case an election is called in the near future. I did not wait for my successor to take over. I gave the necessary authorizations to hire more personnel to prepare various aspects of the process. The authorizations can always be revoked, but tardiness in making these decisions could have a serious impact on the organization's state of preparedness.
This is the main piece of advice that I gave and obviously, I can assure the committee and my fellow citizens that I offer all my support to Mr. Mayrand for as long and for as many times as he wants. It is up to him to decide.
Elections Canada is an excellent organization with excellent workers who know what they are doing. It will be up to my successor to decide exactly how he organizes and structures his time to hear and learn what I have to tell him.