Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Ms. Chen, for being with us today.
We all note that you did not necessarily come willingly. You were summoned. I appreciate your opening testimony, but you outlined to this committee that you won't be answering any of our questions. It's quite frustrating for us, as committee members, to have a witness here for two hours who refuses to answer any questions.
Of course, you've been called here, as you outlined, with respect to the Russian disinformation study we're currently engaged in, notably because of your involvement in an indictment from the Department of Justice in the United States. I've gone through this indictment at length, and I'm deeply concerned about any involvement you and your company Tenet Media have had.
I have a number of questions for you. I hope that you will answer some of them and service the Canadian institutions you're here for. I remind you that this is a committee of Parliament. We are members of Parliament at this table. You've been rightfully summoned, and it is your obligation—as is my belief and that of our committee—that you should answer these questions. That is the duty you have to the Canadian institutions and that is why you are here today. We all work hard to serve this committee. This is the public safety and national security committee of Canada. I'd urge you to reconsider answering our questions. This is a very serious matter you are allegedly engaged in, according to this indictment. Again, I'd ask that you respectfully engage in a dialogue with us today and answer our questions.
There are a number of issues in here that I'd like to go over with you.
Of course, first and foremost, I'd like to ask you this: Were you directly receiving payments from Russia Today to proliferate propaganda from the Russian government to your North American audience?