Procedure and House Affairs committee  That is correct.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  In January. I can remember quite clearly, the first meeting took place January 8. It was a preliminary meeting. I was approached to have the discussion that I referred to a little earlier, but no reference was made to any particular position.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Well indeed, over the last couple of days and weeks, I did hear about a number of reports from journalists referring to the possibility of an imminent election. What struck me when I reviewed the material for consultation is that Elections Canada has conducted four general elections over the brief period of nine years.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  It is true that mine has been a relatively stable career. However, I did hold different positions within the organization. I find this field fascinating. It offers interesting challenges and touches on all sorts of aspects of social and economic life. It has enabled me to work both nationally and internationally on occasion.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I have never been much for career planning. Rather, I considered the challenges facing me, and if I found them interesting, I was always concerned about serving the people involved to the best of my abilities.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That is correct.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Members of the committee, it is a privilege and an honour for me to be here today to discuss my nomination as Chief Electoral Officer. Let me first briefly introduce myself. I was born in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, where the Saint-Maurice River and the St.