Industry committee  As I've said before, Ms. Verschuren and her credentials are well known. She served under Jim Flaherty as an adviser during the financial crisis. She was also appointed, I believe, to the Science, Technology and Innovation Council by Mr. Harper.

Industry committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Individuals who are identified and selected are done so in a very public way. They have to go to the website. They have to download their CV. There is a panel that's established that includes the PCO. These individuals go through that process. Recommendations are made to me, and this was the process that was followed for all the GIC appointments that I made.

Industry committee  Again, thank you very much for the question. During my tenure, I recall making over 100 GIC appointments. There were a number of people appointed. I've talked about the process—

Industry committee  Well, if anyone met with me, there were clear rules and obligations around reporting—

Industry committee  To the best of my recollection, I don't recall any such meetings. I would say that, again, this is an arm's-length organization that has a clear mandate of how it conducts itself—

Industry committee  Thanks for the question, Mr. Masse. I don't recall, again, the specific names that were brought forward at that time.

Industry committee  Thank you very much for the question. I would say that all designated public office holders understand the rules they need to follow in the Conflict of Interest Act, and those rules pertain to people who sat on the SDTC board as well.

Industry committee  This is an arm's-length organization that has a mandate from the act of Parliament, I believe—as I recall in my opening remarks—which was established in 2001 for this organization, and it's very clear that the rules—

Industry committee  Thank you very much for the question. I'm delighted to be here today before the committee to answer any questions with respect to Sustainable Development Technology Canada.

Industry committee  I believe it's important that all designated public office holders hold themselves to the highest possible standard and follow the rules that are clearly outlined in the Conflict of Interest Act, and that is an expectation that all public office holders should abide by.

Industry committee  Thank you for the question. It is an arm's-length organization. The board and management have clear rules as to how they should conduct themselves—

Industry committee  Thank you very much for that very important question. I would say that I respect the work of the Auditor General and I think it's very clear what she stated in that report.

Industry committee  Thank you very much for the question. As I indicated before, and as I believe Mr. Noseworthy said, Ms. Verschuren's business experience in the clean-tech sector—

Industry committee  Again, thank you very much for the question. I have not had the opportunity to read the report in its entirety.

Industry committee  Thank you very much for that question—