Public Accounts committee  Absolutely not, quite the contrary. I am here to deal with the Auditor General's report, which is basically erroneous. I was not able to make any comments about it because it was tabled when I was no longer in that position. My mandate was terminated. I was not in Canada, and I was devastated, madam, when I learned about this report with which I take strong exception.

Public Accounts committee  I do not have these figures at hand. You have the agreements. You are probably in a better position than I am to discuss this issue. One part of this applies to all public servants, but you should ask the Privy Council Office for the details.

Public Accounts committee  The amounts have already been sent to my accountants. No, I was not in a good condition. I was exhausted, madam. I had to rebuild my health. I am sure that you can obtain all this information.

Public Accounts committee  Yes, exactly, madam. I remember.

Public Accounts committee  First of all, in the Canadian context, we are very similar to any new organization attempting to enforce new legislation. Madam, as a new parliamentary officer, there was no advantage to my not going ahead with the investigations. To the contrary, my reputation as well as my office's reputation—and I was well aware of that, because I had directed investigation teams—was related to our work on the large files.

Public Accounts committee  Mr. Chairman, the document was signed without any initial negotiations. I accepted the wording as it was presented to me. Initially, I intended to pursue my career. I would like to assure all members of Parliament and you yourself, sir, that I am here to answer your questions and I am very happy to answer them.

Public Accounts committee  Mr. Chairman, I lost seven years of income, seven years of pension, my reputation and my health. All public employees, soon or later receive part of this compensation. The government made me an offer: clearly, they wanted me to leave my position. I accepted the offer and I must tell you, Mr.

Public Accounts committee  Sir, let me correct the facts. I did not leave voluntarily. I left because I no longer had the choice, for reasons of health and for the well-being of both the institution and my family. I would remind you also that, when I left my position, I was receiving death threats.

Public Accounts committee  Sir, first of all, I accepted the agreement because there was no option to negotiate. The wording was already determined. I do agree with you. I am not going to remain silent. I am going to speak and share the facts with you. I will answer all of the questions put by the committee.

Public Accounts committee  Let me explain what the obligations of all parliamentary officers and all those in charge of government agencies are. Parliamentary officers have the duty to hold meetings—and in my case, it was one meeting per year, in the presence of my senior counsel—for three reasons. First, the minister in charge signs the transfers of funds and tables the Report on Plans and Priorities.

Public Accounts committee  Mr. Chair, have all the members received our extensive statement and the attachments?

Public Accounts committee  Thank you very much. This is very helpful. I apologize.

Public Accounts committee  Mr. Chair, I was the subject of an unprecedented investigation that lasted more than two years. Every aspect of the organization that I led came under scrutiny and we answered every question asked. My email was reviewed, documents were delivered to my residence. I received documentation on December 22 and on December 29, and I was only given a few weeks to respond.

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

Public Accounts committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, Parliament appears to have accepted outright, without any dispute, the Auditor General's report. The simple act of my being here today to express my serious reservations may perhaps be viewed as being inappropriate, but the purpose of my statement today is specifically to point out the significant flaws and mistaken observations that undermined my reputation personally and that of my office.