Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to echo my colleagues and thank both of our witnesses for coming before our committee. Your testimony is quite valuable in dealing with this very sensitive and timely subject.
Mr. Elcock, I'd like to start with you. You were quoted last month in an iPolitics article, saying that “there was no reasonable justification for [the leader of the Conservative Party] not to pursue the security clearance”, especially if it is being offered. We often hear his excuses that he doesn't want to be subject to a gag order. I personally think that's a red herring and a distraction.
From your perspective, and based on the expertise you have, could you offer this committee some insight on what a security clearance allows a federal party leader to do in terms of caucus management and in terms of ensuring that the sanctity of their own internal political party process is really taken care of? Can you offer some insights on the actions a leader could take?