Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Good afternoon.

Mr. Chair, at your request, I made myself available today for a third appearance at committee to answer questions about Sustainable Development Technology Canada. I'm happy to be here and will answer your questions as best I can.

At my last appearance at this committee, there were a number of questions. I want to open today where we left off.

Members posed a question regarding a phone call between Ms. Verschuren and me prior to her appointment. I do not recall such a conversation taking place. However, as I explained last time at committee, it was not uncommon for me to speak to prospective candidates during a selection process or to encourage candidates to apply for positions. Sometimes I encouraged multiple people for the same position. Canadians and our government always benefit from an open, transparent and highly competitive appointment process.

Members also posed questions with respect to the candidates who were recommended to me via a PCO advice letter. As I said in my previous testimony, I've made over 100 Governor in Council appointment recommendations as a minister. I do not recall, after several years, who applied for what specific positions at that time. Assuming there were multiple people recommended for each position, this could be in excess of 400 names recommended to me during my tenure, all of which occurred more than four years ago.

Members also offered a line of questioning regarding former Sustainable Development Technology Canada employee Amber Batool. At CIBC, Ms. Batool worked for Capital Markets and supported the team, including me. I do not recall meeting Ms. Batool before she started at CIBC. In fact, the only reason I know we ever met or crossed paths is because, during the interview, Ms. Batool stated that we had met a few times beforehand, which I did not recall at that time. It is important to note that Ms. Batool went through a rigorous process consistent with CIBC HR policies.

Finally, I would like to address a line of questioning by a few parties with respect to this appointment. At the time of her appointment, Ms. Verschuren's credentials were impeccable. She was a Canadian business leader and served Prime Minister Harper, Minister Flaherty and Minister Paradis in various capacities.

As I stated before, Sustainable Development Technology Canada is an arm's-length organization. My role as minister was to appoint seven of the 15 board members. It was not to oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, nor was it to manage the board. As an arm's-length organization, it was the board's responsibility to manage their conflicts of interest, as is the case with all designated public office holders, and follow the rules and process, which is something the Auditor General identified as not happening.

As this is my third appearance at committee on this matter, I would like to request this: If, after my appearance, the committee has any additional questions, I would be more than happy to answer them in writing.

I look forward to answering your questions.

Thank you.

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