Good evening, Mr. Chair and members of the committee.

My name is Gianluca Cairo, and I want to thank you for the opportunity to appear before you in relation to your study on Sustainable Development Technology Canada.

My role, as it relates to your study into SDTC, was as chief of staff to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development from the summer of 2017 to the summer of 2019. Former minister Bains was the minister of ISED at that time, and SDTC was part of that portfolio.

During my time in that position, there was an appointment process for the board chair of SDTC. It was run as part of a merits-based approach to appointments that was a joint effort between the Privy Council Office, the Prime Minister's Office and officials at ISED. As I understand it, this was a normal public process that was followed across all Governor in Council appointments at the time.

Ultimately, at the conclusion of that process, Annette Verschuren was appointed board chair of SDTC. Ms. Verschuren had previously been appointed to critical roles at the intersection of business and public policy by Prime Ministers Mulroney, Harper and Trudeau. As an officer of the Order of Canada and given her significant business experience generally, as well as in the clean-tech sector specifically, she was well suited for the position.

The appointment was made in June 2019, and I left my role as chief of staff a few weeks later, in August.

I respect the work of the committee and of parliamentarians. I know the work that is involved, and I appreciate what you do.

Before I turn to your questions, I want to address the fact that there was a motion passed to summons me to attend today. I was disappointed and surprised to learn that I had been summoned. I had corresponded with the clerk repeatedly, and the clerk was aware that I was in Australia on business when I was initially invited to attend. Upon my return, I reached out again, specifically to confirm my attendance, which is when the clerk informed me that I had already been the subject of a summons.

I am here voluntarily and co-operatively to help you complete your study. Although my role was limited in terms of the time and the scope of my involvement, I hope I can be of assistance to you and I look forward to your questions.

Merci.