Senator Cardozo: Thank you. I have one question. I would like to cede the balance of my time to my colleague Senator Audette.

Mr. O’Reilly, thank you for coming here and applying for this important position. We spoke with you about your being accountable to the Senate. If I can paraphrase you, you said this is a code that senators have decided on how to govern ourselves. I’m paraphrasing that.

During your time, if the Senate were to change the code and water it down in a way that would facilitate unethical behaviour, what would you see your role being? How would you approach that?

Mr. O’Reilly: Thank you. Senators, again, that is for this body to determine. It might be advisable in that circumstance to seek out the opinion and advice of the officer who, by that time, might have some experience in applying the code as well as in other domains that may be instructive. Ultimately, it is this body who determines what the code says. The view of the officer, particularly one who has some experience in its application, would be important to take into account.

Senator Cardozo: Would you do so privately with a committee or would you feel the need to do so publicly?

Mr. O’Reilly: I would await an invitation to speak up and would do so only if I thought my views were welcomed.