Government Operations committee  —but they are the recipient of a grant or a contribution.

Government Operations committee  Okay, but that's—

Government Operations committee  Yes, as I understand it.

Government Operations committee  There is one exception—the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and National Defence. That is my recollection.

Government Operations committee  That is my understanding.

Government Operations committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. I think it goes without saying, and I referred to this in my remarks, that in order to be effective, an administrative tribunal must work quickly and efficiently. It is up to the Commissioner's Office to ensure that the initial part of the procedure is carried out as quickly as possible—namely, obtaining the evidence and the facts that can lead to the establishment of a tribunal.

Government Operations committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. In fact, I would refer back to, first, my oath of office with respect to being a lawyer; and secondly, that very early in my career I had the opportunity to operate in a quasi-judicial environment. I think I've established credibility as a neutral entity, because not only must justice be done but it must appear to be done.

Government Operations committee  I'm not aware of any issues or matters that would be brought forward with respect to the way I've discharged my duties as a public servant.

Government Operations committee  Madam Chair, the member is absolutely correct. This is the example that I gave for alternative dispute resolution, where it would not fit squarely within a contravention of the act, of the regulation, of the code, or a serious breach, abuse of funds, gross mismanagement, and also when there's a specific threat to the health, safety, and security of individuals and the environment, as I recall the legislation--and of course, anybody who encourages those specific breaches.

Government Operations committee  Correct.

Government Operations committee  This would be my understanding, Madam Chair.

Government Operations committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes. I think there's a fair bit of detail with respect to how the tribunal is set up with the chair and, as well, with respect to the mandate—no less than two and no more than six or seven. Once a tribunal has been set up by the commissioner, by application, it is a clear indication that, first, they want an arm's-length body to look at the seriousness of reprisal.

Government Operations committee  Certainly, Madam Chair. I would perhaps start with the letter. First, it was a misnomer. I should have referred to the public sector as opposed to the public service. Throughout my experience, when I was dealing with crown corporations, I obtained a very good understanding of their role and the importance as well of delivering either policy or programs.

Government Operations committee  Madame Chairman, I only know what I read in the paper. I've never been involved in that case.

Government Operations committee  Madam Chairman, thank you for the question. In fact, I have not focused at all on that aspect of the legislation. I would simply offer the general comment, to which I alluded in my presentation, on the importance of looking at the framework of the legislation and the respective mandates of other organizations, for instance, the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP.