Evidence of meeting #16 for Bill C-2 (39th Parliament, 1st Session) in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was public.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Shalom Schachter  Interest Arbitration and Long Term Care Regulation Lead, Provincial Services Team, Ontario Nurses' Association
Kristen Agrell  Counsel, Legal Department, National Office of the United Steelworkers Union, United Steelworkers
C.E.S. Franks  Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Queen's University, As an Individual
Arthur Kroeger  As an Individual

May 31st, 2006 / 5:45 p.m.

As an Individual

Arthur Kroeger

When someone comes to the conclusion that a situation is really unacceptable, and he or she speaks to the director general and the director general nevertheless responds that everything is fine, the decision is a hard one to make. However, it is very important that every individual dealing with a crisis of conscience caused by a situation making him or her uncomfortable has access to an organization or a person who will enable that individual to discuss the problem without it being a risk to him or her.

This isn't the kind of initiative you take without reflecting on it at length. It is, in a way, a last resort. Some provisions in other bills contain very subtle measures that can undermine the interests of an official. I haven't done a detailed study of the bill, but I believe this one is better, that it is a positive step and that it can encourage people to disclose problems which they feel are unacceptable and should be corrected.

5:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative David Tilson

I'm sorry, Monsieur Petit, we've run out of time.

Mr. Kroeger, I thank you very much. You obviously know your way around this place. I think the committee enjoyed your comments and appreciates your counsel. Thank you very much.

5:45 p.m.

As an Individual

Arthur Kroeger

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You're all engaged in a really important exercise. Perhaps because I live in government I think it's really important.

Good luck.

5:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative David Tilson

We thank you.

The meeting is adjourned until 6 o'clock.