We're not asking about direction, Minister, and you're well aware of that. We're asking if pressure was put on the commissioner, even subtly, from your office.
If the chief of staff to the Minister of Public Safety, to whom the commissioner is responsible, is speaking, it's on your behalf. If she's asking the commissioner, as you just confirmed, you have not denied this, “Are those weapons going to be released?”, that is pressure.
Do you not see that, Minister?
That's why we are here today. That's why this saga has gone on for five months. A ministerial directive does not preclude political interference, Minister.
I will go on to ask a few more questions—