Canadian Heritage committee  I understand. First, as concerns the language question—

Canadian Heritage committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. It is not up to me to justify this appointment. I followed the process, I was interviewed, I was called to serve and it is with a great deal of pride that I am committed to doing so. I think that at some point you have to give the person the benefit of the doubt.

Canadian Heritage committee  For the most part, it is criminal defence.

Canadian Heritage committee  I most certainly do.

Canadian Heritage committee  There are over 25 criteria on the document in question.

Canadian Heritage committee  You should take the time. I think it's an important position.

Canadian Heritage committee  Was there a specific question there?

Canadian Heritage committee  The problem with discussing things of that nature is that most of the issues the CRTC faces currently are either before the tribunals or will be the subject of hearings in the upcoming months.

Canadian Heritage committee  If you might allow me, I don't want to be in a situation of having to recuse myself repetitively over the next few months.

Canadian Heritage committee  Well, we're going to get a five-year plan in September. And when we get the five-year plan, we're going to study it. We're going to look at it carefully, and we're going to see if it is, and what elements of that plan are, in the best interests of Canadian public broadcasting.

Canadian Heritage committee  Well, we're going to have a hearing on that in the upcoming months. It's an issue. Many issues arise from that. There was a time when we had broadcasters, and we had people involved in telecom, and those lines are slowly coming together. Now the question is whether there will be undue preference if we're producing the product.

Canadian Heritage committee  Well, as you know, honourable member, that issue is coming before the CRTC shortly. There was a decision that was overturned by the government, as is the government's prerogative, and we will have to address that issue in the coming months. I think it would be unwise for any member of the CRTC to pronounce on that and give a personal opinion before we have a chance to hear arguments and representations.

Canadian Heritage committee  Your interest is overwhelming.

Canadian Heritage committee  Two things stem from what I just heard. People have to understand it as a process. You interview. There's a follow-up interview. There are reference checks, and the people you submit are called and they spend an hour or so on the phone with them. There are background checks. There are RCMP checks.

Canadian Heritage committee  I'll tell you something else. I'm not aware of anyone else that applied for this position.