Thank you very much, Mr. Chair and members of the committee.
Thank you for having me here today.
My name is Navdeep Bains. From 2015 to January 12, 2021, I served as Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
I know there has been much conversation around the activity at Sustainable Development Technology Canada, or SDTC. However, I think it's important for us to first ground ourselves in the process and the roles.
SDTC is an arm's-length organization established by an act of Parliament in 2001. As minister, my role, as outlined by the act, was to make appointments to the SDTC board. These appointments were recommended through the fair, open and transparent process brought forward in 2016 to allow more opportunities for all Canadians to serve their country.
Under the new process, all positions are publicly listed on the GIC appointments website. Anyone can apply for the position on the website by submitting their CV and a cover letter.
After receiving applications for an appointment, a selection panel that included the Privy Council Office, with supports from across the government, was struck. These panels conducted interviews and presented ministers with a short list of candidates. As part of the process, ministers would speak with prospective applicants before formally recommending them for an appointment. Finally, the minister would make a recommendation and the GIC would pass it.
This open, transparent and merit-based process was used for over 100 of my recommendations for GIC appointments.
As has been testified numerous times, SDTC is an arm's-length organization that was created by an act of Parliament in 2001. Under the act, the minister is to recommend seven of the 15 board members, including the chair.
There is a funding agreement between ISED and SDTC; however, ISED is not responsible for the management and operations of the staff or board.
Finally, I believe in the clean-tech sector and the benefits it has brought to Canada. I am proud of the incredible people and companies that have made this sector in Canada a true global leader.
Once again, I'm happy to be here and to answer your questions.
Thank you very much.