Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good morning, everyone.
Mr. Barton, I was at the meeting of the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates on February 1, where you testified. In your opening remarks, you mentioned that your appointment as Canada's ambassador to China went through a rigorous process. In fact, you said:
— I underwent a thorough conflict of interest process with the Ethics Commissioner to ensure that my prior roles with McKinsey and elsewhere would not conflict with my public service obligations. That included a full proactive recusal that screened me from dealing with McKinsey and, of course, any decisions made by the federal public service relating to McKinsey.
A few months later, the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates learned from the documents it received that there had, however, been communications, which is information you shared with us today in your presentation.
In particular, there have been email exchanges between McKinsey staff and the Canada Infrastructure Bank staff. These emails are clear. An attempt was being made to organize meetings of the working committee. On June 17, 2020, Zak Cutler of McKinsey sent an email to Annie Ropar of the Canada Infrastructure Bank in connection with organizing a working committee meeting. It seems that Annie Ropar's schedule was tight and that she was not available before June 23, 2020. The email also mentions that, since a certain Dom—meaning you—was alone, Mr. Cutler wanted to limit participation to Ms. Ropar and a certain John, while not offending anyone in a somewhat delicate situation. It seems that Mr. Cutler wanted to make sure that you would be able to speak freely.
Earlier, you said that this meeting had taken place. However, on February 1, you mentioned that, as ambassador, you had followed all the rules and that you had no connection with McKinsey. However, we have had access to some nice little emails between McKinsey and the Canada Infrastructure Bank. The emails say that you will be there, but that care must be taken. Are you confirming that you lied on February 1?