Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Minister, for being here.
I will share with the committee that the minister did indicate, last weekend, that he would be prepared to be here on Tuesday. He thought the commissioner would also be available. I checked with the chair and there was some discussion. It was determined that we didn't have time to do it on Tuesday. This was the first reasonable opportunity. I think my friend, Mr. Ménard, had a notice of motion to do exactly the same thing. So I think, with all due respect, that Canadians should feel comfort in the fact that this was the first reasonable opportunity for both the commissioner and you to be here, and I do appreciate that.
Recommendation 23 has received a great deal of discussion from members in the House and outside with respect to compensation to Mr. Arar. I think the one issue that gets raised frequently is that we should avoid applying a strictly legal assessment. Without going into any discussion with Mr. Arar, what would it cost the Government of Canada today to satisfy Mr. Arar's outstanding civil claim?