Public Accounts committee  I was not aware. Whatever tool this Parliament decides is appropriate...and I can assure you, sir, that I performed my duties conscientiously and sincerely. But it will be up to the committee. I'm not involved in senior personnel issues, and I believe you probably know about private sector approaches in that respect.

Public Accounts committee  We agree with what was agreed to. But I would like, for the benefit of the committee, to indicate that I stand by every fact. And in fact, the annual report, the report of the Auditor General, contains no details and no analysis, and in fact does not include the testimony of key people.

Public Accounts committee  Sir, the first comment, when I made the opening statement that I have to rectify the facts...when I left I never expected the sort of report that was tabled before this committee. Had I known, sir, I would have stayed in my position. I had faithfully answered everything. I am shocked and absolutely...I find that sort of report appalling.

Public Accounts committee  And I'm grateful for that, sir.

Public Accounts committee  I don't know what the nature of your question is. My colleagues appeared here and answered along the same lines as me. They acted with integrity. If they had had any problems with my management style, I would not have received written evidence and statements that they had never noted anything unacceptable.

Public Accounts committee  First of all, Mr. D'Amours, you are mistaken about the context in which I received the letter. If you checked, you will realize that all officers of Parliament received the same letter. When I accepted the position of Integrity Commissioner, it was a lateral move, which means that I did not receive a performance bonus.

Public Accounts committee  I had not received anything at that point.

Public Accounts committee  Absolutely not.

Public Accounts committee  There had been no exchanges with the Privy Council Office regarding my departure up to that point. There had not been any. That occurred in September. The letter you are referring to is a standard letter that all officers of Parliament receive. It is in no way personalized. I am sorry, Mr.

Public Accounts committee  First of all, I would like to clarify that I was not friends with... I always maintain professional relationships. I am known for keeping my private life separate from my professional life. Ms. Faille, in the past, I had been called upon to deal with precisely that kind of issue.

Public Accounts committee  It is impossible, unthinkable for an officer of Parliament to go back to the public service. What I wanted—and arrangements had already been made—was to remain an “order in council“ appointee in universities, and in exchanges. That is entirely acceptable. Yes, I took a seven-year penalty, sir.

Public Accounts committee  Sir, it is with great regret that I listen to your remarks. I cannot accept the comments that you have made, not after 28 years of loyal service. As an officer of Parliament, I could not have joined the public service. I worked closely with people like Mr. Côté, from Quebec, who is aware of my integrity.

Public Accounts committee  Mr. Chair, this is a very articulate statement. I have on occasion met with disclosers myself--people who were in pain, people who understood that perhaps I could not help them but they wanted to talk to the commissioner. And every time I did so. Perhaps it goes to what Member Christopherson indicated, but part of the process—and there have been studies in Australia—is how they feel they were treated.

Public Accounts committee  I think it had to do with the performance pay of the individual who did not want to support me.

Public Accounts committee  Certainly. Let me be clear. I joined an office that did not want to support me. They had not even met me, and they had made it clear that they would not support me. And I am not unique. There was even a case study at the Canada School of Public Service reporting this. I had to set a direction.