You understand, as a former employee of National Defence and as somebody who has had many interactions with government over the years, that public servants play a fundamental role in serving this country and their conduct is carefully watched. It's important to uphold public trust, because Canadians put their faith in the government to deliver programs and services, and that includes the people who are hired within that public service to act in the most transparent, accountable and ethical ways.
Would you say that it can be seen as a perceived conflict of interest when you have been able to be so successful and yet I hear a very different narrative on the ground from people who are everyday Canadians unable to access government contracts and from companies that are doing good work and innovative work that have told me they're unable to even crack the door open? Do you find that there is a perception that there is something that is allowing you to have access that other people cannot? Also, there is the fact that you have said today that it's common for people working in the public service to have corporations, as you have?
The narrative I hear from everyday people in my riding is that they can barely get home in time—going through traffic, working 10 hours a day—to prepare a meal for their family, and the last thing on their minds is to set up a corporation and have a side hustle where they can make more money and be able to afford the things they need.
I'd like to hear your comments on that, Mr. Yeo.