Thank you, Madam Chair.
Ms. Geremia, earlier my colleagues, Mr. Bittle and Mr. Housefather, gave you some examples. Mr. Bittle talked about some of the impacts that your measures could have on the lives of Quebeckers and Canadians. These impacts are very important. As you know, the Google search engine is so widely used and so dominant in the market that it has become a verb: when you want to know something, you go and google it. It's the same in English, and it's probably the same in other languages.
When you occupy such a prominent position in an industry that affects the lives of all the citizens of a country, it comes with responsibilities, which I don't think you understand, if I am to believe the beginning of your testimony. However, I'm going to give you a chance to look good, because it hasn't been a very good afternoon for you so far.
The Google code of conduct ends like this:
“don’t be evil, and if you see something that you think isn’t right—speak up!”
Earlier, you were given examples of situations that could seriously endanger the lives of Quebeckers and Canadians, very specific situations, but still very possible.
Unbeknownst to Canadians, you have conducted tests that may have significant implications. Will you now commit to stopping these tests that we all agree are unjustifiable? Will you commit to notifying each and every one of the approximately 1.2 million Canadians affected that they are the subject of these tests, so that if necessary they can turn to other means of information rather than thinking that the information is simply not available? Will you commit, in the future, to informing Quebeckers and Canadians that they will be the subject of such tests by your company, if any?
These are questions that require a quick answer and a sincere commitment. What we have heard today, Ms. Geremia, is not very satisfactory.