Mr. Chair, I do agree with Mr. Bélanger's analysis of the law. The minister does have the right to a Governor in Council order to make certain directions to the CRTC.
My concern is this: the motion seems to imply that the broadcasting policy of Canada can somehow be amended by the minister issuing a directive. In fact, that's not the case. The Broadcasting Act actually sets out the broadcasting policy for Canada. I believe it's section 8 of the Broadcasting Act that actually spells out that any amendments to the broadcasting policy have to be placed before both houses of Parliament. So that protection is already there.
I think what this motion does is go far beyond that. What it does is call into question, and in fact challenges, the minister's right to issue directives that are within his power through a Governor in Council directive. That's my concern. We're going far beyond what's within our jurisdiction to do. In fact, I would suggest the motion is essentially ultra vires, which I think reflects what Mr. Bélanger has said.
I understand where she wants to go with it, but it's something that just cannot be done. So certainly on our side, we'll be voting against this motion.