Government Operations committee  You want to know what the basic requirements are?

Government Operations committee  I hesitated a little, Madam Chair, simply because my own legal background leads me to think that this type of training is an asset for conducting investigations. However, I would not want to rule out people who do not have legal training but who do have equivalent experience. I would think that legal training could be an asset for understanding the quasi-judicial context, the principles of natural justice and procedural equity.

Government Operations committee  I could not agree more, Madam Chair. I have no idea how staffing has been done so far, but I have made careful note of these comments. I think this is an excellent suggestion.

Government Operations committee  If necessary.

Government Operations committee  Indeed.

Government Operations committee  As far as I understand it, the investigators will be hired under the Public Service Employment Act. There is a recruitment process in place, but the investigators will report to the Office of the Commissioner.

Government Operations committee  No.

Government Operations committee  That is correct.

Government Operations committee  I would like to give you an analogy, if I may. When I chaired an appeal committee, there was also a parallel investigation office whose role was very similar to yours. There was a purely administrative precursor, who did not have the same powers as the office under the policy. We hope that people identified by the whistleblowers will cooperate willingly.

Government Operations committee  Yes, and I think that is implicitly part of the power to require the production of documents. However, there is a reservation in the legislation regarding Cabinet confidences. I have taken note of that. There are some guidelines regarding the documents that can and must be produced.

Government Operations committee  Madam Chair, based on my experience at administrative tribunals, I would say it is important that these individuals be appointed according to the merit principle, that they be recognized for their rigour and for their integrity.

Government Operations committee  Madam Chair, the act provides a framework and the tools required to deal with the concerns raised by the member. The Commissioner's role will be to ensure that we look into all the facts and circumstances with proper diligence. It is difficult to provide more details without having a specific case before us, but I am quite sure, and I would like to assure the committee that the act provides an excellent framework with which to deal with these concerns.

Government Operations committee  Thank you for the question. I have made careful note of your concerns. I am interested in two aspects in particular. First, education, training, prevention and cooperation. We should not wait until a problem occurs. If we can educate people and work with the public service, we should do that in order to avoid disturbing situations.

Government Operations committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. First of all, as a public servant, I am very aware of what is and is not acceptable. I think I have always carried out my duties very diligently. I have a great deal of management experience. I managed many people and also regional offices in the various positions I have held.

Government Operations committee  There definitely were cases where employees were dissatisfied and filed complaints. I have been involved in the official procedures set up to solve such problems. I believe in them very much. I have heard a number of grievances at the third level, before they went to the administrative tribunal.