Public Accounts committee  I can't say that I was not getting any information from the organization. Sometimes it was limited to certain subjects and it took a long time to get the information. I realized that it was becoming increasingly difficult to receive the information directly. So I decided to file access to information requests to protect myself.

Public Accounts committee  I am satisfied with that, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. I will now make my opening statement. To begin, I would like to thank committee members for inviting me to testify today, in particular with regard to requests I made under the Access to Information Act. I have been with the RCMP for 31 years.

Public Accounts committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Before making my presentation, I would, if possible, like to know what kind of protection I can expect from the committee, since I am still an active member of the RCMP. I might be asked to say things which may lead to reprisals against me. I want to be sure that I have the benefit of the committee's protection.

Public Accounts committee  I am talking strictly about protection for myself as an active member of the RCMP. Some RCMP members here today are retired, and others hold a much higher rank. But I still have several years of service ahead of me as a member of the RCMP, at least I hope so. I want to make sure that I will be protected by Parliament.

Public Accounts committee  I, André Girard, do swear that the evidence I shall give on this examination shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. So help me God.