Agriculture committee  Thank you. Mr. Chair, one of my responsibilities as the chief commissioner is to communicate to stakeholders. The purpose of the op-ed piece was to communicate, not to parliamentarians--although we're happy that they read the piece--but to producers in a way that would assure them that grain quality assurance could be maintained under the bill and that the Canada Grain Act would place the interest of producers as a primary importance.

Agriculture committee  I'll try to keep it very short. I do not believe it was a mistake. The bill that was tabled was not hypothetical. We weren't talking about a hypothetical piece of legislation. We were talking about actual tabled legislation upon which we have had input. These issues were discussed, and the commission was providing input back.

Agriculture committee  First of all, thank you for your very warm comments. With regard to my college education, one input I got from that experience was that I was taught it was important to be a good citizen. That was one of the most valuable components I received from that education, that it's important to serve, and I have tried.

Agriculture committee  Mr. Chair, I cannot and would not comment on what has happened in other areas of government. I simply have no knowledge of what occurred in those areas. With regard to the op-ed piece and with regard to the memo that went out to employees, I think I've been over that two or three times.

Agriculture committee  I wish I could take more time, but I simply don't accept that conclusion. I have been over this ground before as to the purpose of the op-ed piece. I have made it very clear where my role is to be independent from the minister and where my role is to be supportive of the initiatives lawfully taken by the minister.

Agriculture committee  It's one of the first things I did, and as I mentioned--I can't remember if it was in my statement, I reiterate it if it was--it was a management decision that was recommended to me. And that management decision had been made even before I assumed the position on January 21. The management team thought that the new chief commissioner should be introduced, should clarify some issues around Bill C-39, and should assure producers that grain quality assurance and the Canada Grain Act would be complied with.

Agriculture committee  That's correct.

Agriculture committee  That's correct.

Agriculture committee  That's not a fair comment, because as I said previously to Mr. Easter, I am committed to giving honest and sincere and accurate advice to the minister on issues. That is one of the responsibilities I have. Some of you know me. Most of you don't know me, but there are some people who know me and know that's my style.

Agriculture committee  It wasn't supportive of the government; it supported the objectives of Bill C-39.

Agriculture committee  With regard to the op-ed piece, certainly there's been some recognition. I've been asked to represent the commission in different places as a result of that hookup. I have to be careful about what I say, but outside the realm of politics, the response has been positive. That is what we were intending and hoping for.

Agriculture committee  I think it's not complete. Obviously the bill is still under consideration. We understand that and we are prepared to carry out the Canada Grain Act, no matter what form it is in. That being said, I wouldn't say there is either a.... Except for maybe a very few people, there isn't a cheerleading section, nor is there a naysayer section.

Agriculture committee  I had actually hoped we would talk more about that. It has come up several times, but then we've never actually gotten to the point where I could talk about my qualifications. And the clock is ticking here. I would just say that I've had many leadership roles in the private sector, in the non-profit sector, and in the public sector.

Agriculture committee  I wouldn't describe it, Mr. Easter, as strong concerns, but I would say that there is some uncertainty as to the practical results of the implementation of Bill C-39. That's an area the commission was involved in for some time prior to the tabling of this bill. In fact, that discussion and advice regarding these same issues was given to the previous government.

Agriculture committee  I want to get directly to your question about my role. I have committed to uphold two values. One is that public servants will give honest and impartial advice and make all information that is relevant to a decision available to a minister. That is one of my roles as a deputy head, and I intend to give honest and impartial advice.