Declaration of Emergency committee  I heard the Prime Minister testify before the Rouleau Commission, and he said he was looking for a way to do more. Did you sense that the Prime Minister wanted to do more?

Declaration of Emergency committee  The plan had been prepared in advance, hadn't it?

Declaration of Emergency committee  What do you think was the major factor in invoking the Emergencies Act in Ottawa?

Declaration of Emergency committee  Yes, but the other issues associated with the blockades had been resolved. The problem was solved in Windsor and Coutts. All that was left was mainly the protesters on Wellington Street, where the hot tub and barbecue had been set up.

Declaration of Emergency committee  Who was the client?

Declaration of Emergency committee  All right. Did you see that legal opinion?

Declaration of Emergency committee  Did Mr. Vigneault see that legal opinion?

Declaration of Emergency committee  Outside cabinet, how many people had access to that legal opinion?

Declaration of Emergency committee  Do you think many people outside cabinet had access to the legal opinion?

Declaration of Emergency committee  The client was the cabinet. The professional who provided the service was the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General of Canada. The cabinet may therefore waive solicitor-client privilege. Did the cabinet consult you on the matter of waiving solicitor-client privilege with respect to that legal opinion?

Declaration of Emergency committee  I see. What was the nature of the legal opinion? Was it a decisive factor in your recommendation?

Declaration of Emergency committee  The list of all the people attending the cabinet meeting, including the commissioner of the RCMP, is on the record. The commissioner of the RCMP sent an email to the Minister of Public Safety saying that there was no obligation to invoke the Emergencies Act and that other solutions were available.

Declaration of Emergency committee  Thank you. I'd like to come back to Windsor's $5.7‑million bill. That bothers me because it was sent on March 16, 2022, and the government still hasn't reimbursed you for those costs, costs you incurred because you responded proactively. I worry this could discourage people from being proactive in future situations, to avoid having to foot a bill that they are never going to be reimbursed for, as happened to Windsor.

Declaration of Emergency committee  All right. Thank you.

Declaration of Emergency committee  I see. You managed to clear the bridge without the help of the Emergencies Act, since it was invoked afterwards. You didn't even need the municipal emergency measures. What made your response so successful, a response which—I repeat—did not require the use of the Emergencies Act?