Thank you very much, Chair.
I just want to put this on the record again so that my colleagues understand it. When members pull stunts such as we just saw from Mr. Genuis, who was trying to put a motion to us and get unanimous consent, it is disrespectful to members of this committee. We have discussed many matters here. We have been able to come to agreement on the study of a wide range of topics that quite frankly, in my experience, were not normally part of public accounts. However, with the consultation of all members, we have come to that conclusion.
I just want to put on the record that I'm disappointed with that stunt and we will see what comes of it.
I now turn to the Auditor General. I wish to thank her once again for the excellent work she has put forward. I was travelling overseas, as I mentioned, and I heard very good things. I had questions about public accounts and how we operate. The independence of our institutions is much admired, and I was asked many questions about it.
I'd like the Auditor General to tell this committee—and indeed Canadians and people around the world—once and for all whether there was any political interference with the Office of the Auditor General. I ask that because we had a suggestion that it was because members of Parliament from a certain political party demanded it that an audit was done. Is it not in the purview of the Auditor General's office to decide independently of Parliament what audits will be done?