As you know, a new system has been established for the pre-selection of appointees to the IRB. The appointment of Mr. Pierre was made under this system. It means that he was chosen through the IRB pre-selection process, which is based on merit and which includes an interview and a review. Next, the Privy Council Office makes a selection based on security aspects. The individual in question was recommended to me by the IRB. We try to appoint Canadians from various backgrounds and that is the case here.
On March 10th, 2009. See this statement in context.