Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to thank the minister for joining us today to answer our questions. I'm delighted that she has joined us.
You may know, Minister, that I've worked in the sector of international development for a large part of my career, so this work is very important to me. I've seen on the ground what Canadian mining companies have done in countries around the world and it's quite devastating.
I was so looking forward to having the CORE ombudsperson, that was promised to us, who would have the ability to compel testimony. You can understand my disappointment with the current regulations, or the current ability that our CORE ombudsperson has.
I'd like to start with the following question. A report came out that was shared with the media after being hidden from public view for over a year and a half. The report commissioned by the Honourable James Carr made it very clear that it was vital the ombudsperson have the powers to compel witness and documents. Why did your government decide not to follow the recommendations of your own commissioned report, Minister?