Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to thank our guests today for their presentation.
I'd like to ask, first of all, a general question about your role in overseeing the work of CSIS. Of course, we respect the fact that SIRC is a civilian oversight program, which, together with the inspector general, we see as vital. In fact, it is a model that could be used for the RCMP or as a similar type of civilian oversight model for the military.
In terms of your oversight of CSIS, can you just expand slightly on the fact that in its overseas role, CSIS has, as you say here, moved from a strictly liaison role to what you're calling operations of a clandestine nature? That is a significant departure from their long-standing focus. Is that something you actually oversee?
We had Monsieur Coulombe testify before the Afghanistan committee last week, and they actually had an agreement or a partnership with the NDS, an organization of some notoriety because of its human rights activities and violations in Afghanistan. Is that something you would take it upon yourselves to ensure was in keeping with what CSIS is supposed to be doing outside of this country?