Public Accounts committee  Yes, and as he makes clear, we knew his thinking before that—even by the Thursday. I don't recall, but I would say it was likely that I had some discussion at some point in those few days with the minister.

Public Accounts committee  I said I am a lawyer by profession. I first started as a lawyer with the Canadian Transport Commission, which changed names a few times, but I was there for about 10 years. I then moved to the Privy Council Office, where I was assistant secretary of legislation and house planning, and counsel; and then I became deputy clerk, security and intelligence, and counsel, for the Privy Council Office.

Public Accounts committee  I guess I don't agree he didn't give me what I asked for. I'm not sure I understand the question.

Public Accounts committee  He didn't give any advice at that meeting.

Public Accounts committee  Not to me.

Public Accounts committee  I think she was well aware, because she was informed by Mr. Baker, and I think she said that. My answer to the question was that I received no direction from the political level or anyone else to seek a legal opinion. That was my decision. That was what I was answering.

Public Accounts committee  Because there was an option not to do that, which Mr. Baker chose, and I agree with him.

Public Accounts committee  It was my own department, myself, the Firearms Centre, Public Works, and the Treasury Board represented by Ms. Cartwright and some of her staff, I believe, and Mr. Wiersema, who was also, I guess, technically part of the Treasury Board, but the acting comptroller general at the time, and I think someone from his staff.

Public Accounts committee  The discussion was whether or not we should change the accounting treatment from what it had been the year before.

Public Accounts committee  That's right.

Public Accounts committee  Mr. Wiersema was there because he was the acting comptroller general.

Public Accounts committee  No. I had the meeting because at the time, if you look at Mr. Pigeon's opinion, he had talked to a number of different people already. He had formed some preliminary views, and I felt it was important—because I knew the issue was complicated and that more than lawyers would have views on it—that all those I could determine might have some views that should be weighed be there.

Public Accounts committee  He said nothing.

Public Accounts committee  First--

Public Accounts committee  I was just clarifying once more, Mr. Chair, that I was not the deputy minister responsible for these amounts--as Mr. Baker, I think, made clear. However, I'm saying I'm well aware that there are lots of contingent liabilities that do not go against the corporations. All the lawsuits against the Government of Canada are booked as contingent liabilities and not against the corporations, so I did not find it surprising that there would be some--