Government Operations committee  Mr. Casey, I take exception to that. Ever since I've been minister and have been briefed on this, that has never been an issue. The issue—

Government Operations committee  With respect, I think you're misrepresenting what Madame saint pierre said. She explained to you the process—

Government Operations committee  She explained to you the process in terms of tendering. What you haven't said yet is that the objective was to have a competitive process—

Government Operations committee  No, to basically do the overhaul and the maintenance of these assets. That's really at the core of this, isn't it, Mr. Casey? That is the objective.

Government Operations committee  The determination of whether it's a capital project or not is not our responsibility; it is the client department's responsibility, sir.

Government Operations committee  If you look at the Treasury Board rules, you'll find that that's their responsibility.

Government Operations committee  First, you should always act on the principle that the Minister of Public Works and Government Services—this minister and, I hope, the others as well—is not involved in the awarding of contracts. I tell you that with all the sincerity in me. That matter is currently before the co

Government Operations committee  My staff or the department?

Government Operations committee  François will answer.

Government Operations committee  Mr. Angus, we will defend the process before the courts. The department handled this at arm's length from the minister, like any other contract. The minister does not get involved, nor does his staff.

Government Operations committee  Absolutely, no.

Government Operations committee  I'm trying to be as bipartisan as I can. I think you should be happy and pleased that this is the way it works, that I'm not there every morning meeting with François and his team and saying, “Okay, this contract, that guy.” That's not the way it works. It's handled by Monsieur G

Government Operations committee  If there was something untoward that would have taken place, absolutely. Absolutely, Mr. Angus, I would. You have my word about this. I would.

Government Operations committee  But for you to suggest—

Government Operations committee  Can I respond?