Madam Chair, the email in question was sent on August 26, 2009. In it, Mr. Jaffer, an associate of Patrick Glémaud, who was working at the Department of Natural Resources, wrote that he had just spoken with the minister and that they would try to meet over a few beers when the minister returned to Ottawa the following week. The minister allegedly suggested that Mr. Jaffer coordinate with Mr. Glémaud in order to find someone, such as the deputy minister, to talk to about the proposal they were working on and the possibility of reaching an agreement.
Can the minister confirm to the committee that this conversation took place?