Thanks very much, Mr. Moore. It's always good to see you, if only at a distance. I hope your summer has gone well.
You've just asked a very important question in terms of the process.
Let me say, first of all, that I think this is a good process that balances the ability of parliamentarians. I share the view that parliamentarians have to have a role in this, and that's why we're here today. That's why you and others were consulted in my phase of consulting on the short list of candidates, and you and our other colleagues are here today asking questions as well, so I share that.
It was a process that was long sought after. Prior to 2016, there wasn't really a formal process for the selection of judges. A number of people weighed in. My predecessor, my former professor, Irwin Cotler, weighed in with suggestions, as did other experts. Professor Martin Friedland at the University of Toronto weighed in with suggestions on how to create a process that allowed for independent evaluation of a dossier, as well as parliamentary input, but did not turn into something that happens occasionally south of the border where it becomes hyper-political and hyper-partisan in terms of the nomination process for Supreme Court judges.
I think this represents a good balance. I think there is a strong role, as you are playing right now, for parliamentarians to participate in this process. Obviously, I'm always willing to entertain suggestions on how to make it better.