Industry committee  Thank you very much for the question. As I've indicated before, I believe this appointment was made approximately five years ago. This is one of a number of appointments that I made as a minister, and I had full confidence in the rules and procedures that—

Industry committee  You're correct, there is a process that included the Privy Council Office—

Industry committee  As I was saying there is a process, and through that process—

Industry committee  As I was saying, there's a process, and through that process, a recommendation is made. That process—

Industry committee  The way this unfolds is that the Privy Council Office is engaged in this selection process. They make a recommendation and, based on that recommendation, we take the appropriate steps.

Industry committee  The Privy Council Office is involved in this process along with a number of other government departments. They—

Industry committee  Again, this a public process. People can apply and it's open to everyone.

Industry committee  It's a committee or a panel that looks at the individuals who put their names forward. They go through an interview process. Their CVs are examined. They probably answer a bunch of questions.

Industry committee  Again, I'm sorry. I'm trying my best to answer. I keep on getting interrupted. What I was saying is—

Industry committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I just want to say that it was a robust process in determining who is selected. I made over a hundred recommendations during my tenure—

Industry committee  It's great to see you virtually. I think the last time I was in committee was in 2020. That was the last time we had an interaction at the committee here at INDU. You raise a good point. I would say, with respect to the process, that it was open to everyone, Mr. Masse. It was listed on the website.

Industry committee  I don't recall who put up their hand and how many people applied. I do know that it was available and open to everyone and that it was a public process. All appointments are listed on the GIC website.

Industry committee  I think the process, Mr. Chair—through you to the parliamentarian—was open, fair and transparent. It included the Privy Council Office as well.

Industry committee  I stand by the process by which the selections were made. It was an open, fair, transparent and merit-based process.

Industry committee  No, what I am saying is that the process that occurred in selecting the individuals for Sustainable Development Technology Canada was followed for all of the appointments that I made for Governor in Council appointments. That means it's an open process, it's a process—