Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Commissioner, I know that your role is to look at the entire situation and determine whether there have been violations of the Conflict of Interest Act. I understand that role very well, but this is a more complex situation. The government, as it has done on a number of occasions, particularly in the case of SDTC, creates these kinds of companies or businesses without appointing the entire board of directors. As you said, it's a government decision. The people who run these businesses are not public office holders. According to your mandate, you should systematically investigate them, as is done for members of Parliament, ministers and so on.
That said, I would like to know your opinion on the following. In your opinion, did Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, ISED, or the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry have the means within the department to prevent these practices before we heard about them from whistle‑blowers?