Mr. Chair, you'll understand that just like my colleagues, I have a preference for listening to all witnesses in public, including the Auditor General. Basically, we're just trying to understand why the meeting needs to be in camera. Quite frankly, with the information I have at my disposal, I am having a really hard time understanding why we would need to hold an in camera meeting. We mustn't forget that we live in a world where perceptions are key. There are journalists outside, and we will undoubtedly be called to task if this meeting is held in camera. We need to be aware of that, and the Auditor General must also bear it in mind and consider, in particular, the way her remarks may be interpreted. I'm going to respect the Auditor General's decision on this. If she considers that what she has to say should be said in camera, I will respect her wishes. However, I want to make sure I understand. If we decide to sit in camera, we need to make sure the questions we are asked outside aren't misinterpreted.
On January 30th, 2007. See this statement in context.