In terms of who makes that final say, I guess, Mr. Chairman, that would ultimately be the decision of ministers, based on the advice of public servants.
I can speak from my own role on this. As I indicated in my testimony, I thought my position was clear throughout. I maintained my position consistently in all the meetings. It became clear to me at some point in the process that my position was not going to carry the day. I became increasingly uneasy with this. I spoke frequently to my boss at the time, the then Secretary of the Treasury Board. He was very aware of my views as well as my extreme discomfort with what was happening. Beyond that, Mr. Chairman, I don't know what else I could have done.