Mr. Chairman, I don't think the CBC journalists would have any problems with the Information Commissioner examining it under the proposals I've made as to whether there's a harm test. After all, we do this with the most sensitive national security material. We deal with all of the CSIS and the RCMP material--all the sensitive national security material.
So I think it's clear from the proposal I've made that indeed the integrity and independence of the CBC news-gathering and programming activities should receive protection. I don't believe, however, that decisions by the CBC to refuse disclosure, as proposed in Bill C-2, should escape independent review or the rigours of an injury test. My position in this case was endorsed by Judge Gomery, and I think it's a very sensible approach.
I do not believe there should be any mandatory exemption from review by the Information Commissioner as set out in the opening part of the act. The Information Commissioner is given that duty to examine all the most sensitive information in the Government of Canada. I don't think this is a difficult duty for us.