Mr. Barton, you talk about Michael Sabia. We have emails here from Zak Cutler talking about a certain “Dom” and whose schedule says that he is available on June 23 between 8 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. You say that you are not aware of this, that you simply received a request from Michael Sabia and that the people from McKinsey know your schedule and availability. Do not take us for fools. You did it on February 1, but perhaps you should not continue today.
On February 1, Liberal MP Anthony Housefather asked you a series of questions to clear your name. It was obvious that this came from the Prime Minister's Office. I will quote one of his questions: “I would assume, then, that anything that came in, with respect to McKinsey.... As ambassador, you were completely excluded from this and had no part in any discussions.” You replied that it was completely accurate. Today, you are telling us that it was Michael Sabia who invited you, but that it was the people from McKinsey who corresponded about your schedule.
Do you maintain your position that you were never aware of anything, that you were not in contact with McKinsey and that the firm has nothing to do with the Government of Canada regarding your involvement?