Yes, I understand that, but you wanted to hear my comments on this matter. I received the call on November 17.
As for the second part of your question, I realize full well that in its report, the committee requested a response from the government before Friday, December 15.
I've read the testimony given by the minister and by Commissioner Reid. I understand the government saying that the matter needs to be studied further, that there was no consultation. The former commissioner, for his part, maintains that many consultations have taken place over the past 15 years and that it's clear what needs to be done. On the one hand, the government says that it can't estimate all costs, while on the other hand, people argue that costs are not that high and that a price cannot be put on transparency.
If confirmed, I will tackle this question by first saying that the past must be left behind and that we should forget about who was consulted, and who was not, and try to find some common ground for moving things forward and resolving differences.
I hope the government does bring in draft legislation because that is the very essence of the work that parliamentarians do. Studies are a more difficult task.