During Riedel's testimony, another committee member, Bloc Quebecois MP Mario Laframboise, said through a translator the "real value is more important than the book value."

Riedel replied: "My understanding is the government's been clear is that the book value is the test."

Marc Garneau, a Liberal MP and former astronaut, asked Riedel for details on Nortel's requests for federal bailout money.

Riedel said there were 13 meetings between Oct, 6, 2008 and last June with government officials.

"The feedback we got was the government did not see (Nortel's) plans as viable," Riedel said. He added Nortel was told "there were no overarching national issues," at stake and the "Nortel brand was tarnished."