Thank you, Chair.
I understand the Conservatives' knee-jerk reaction of wanting to see that the money is paid back.
When we hear that the money was awarded in error, we want to correct the error and try to restore things to the way they were, but collecting money from these organizations wouldn't do that. These funds were awarded to organizations that completed projects, advanced research and development, provided innovation and created jobs.
The newly independently formed board at the National Research Council made an informed decision, with independent legal advice, not to ask for funds to be returned, because the funding agreements were entered into in good faith and resulted in positive results, such as good projects, as I mentioned, and the creation of jobs.
We also note that legal action was unlikely to be successful, given that firms had acted in good faith, and smaller firms would not be in a position to repay the amounts in question.
The recommendations from the Auditor General were taken seriously and have been acted on by the government and the new, independent board of the National Research Council. Its strengthened oversight ensured that there is support for clean technology innovators under enhanced governance and accountability measures.
Thank you.