Often when documents are released, especially from foreign governments and agencies that deal with them, there are areas that are deemed by bureaucrats to be blacked out. They have to use their discretion--we distinctly heard that testimony. So this is nothing new.
Furthermore, much of what we're talking about is purely speculation. We haven't had an opportunity to look at these things. I think all we're doing, quite frankly, is going on a fishing expedition to embarrass the government.
When I think about the last meeting we had here with the Privacy Commissioner and what was laid out before us on this important study, it was a colossal waste of time. We have too many other things to do that are of such importance to the people of Canada to just move off in another direction.
I read in our witnesses' brief about the percentage of Canadians who are affected by identity theft, and it's staggering. It's 11%. I know we don't have our witnesses in front of us right now. But there are three standing committees already investigating this very thing, if these allegations are true.
I believe that Mr. Wallace has brought forth a very sensible proposal. If you remember, at the last meeting he very graciously moved it forward to the next meeting for us to look over and study. So to come back and saddle this committee once more with something that is just going to waste our time is an absolute shame.
I know I will be voting for Mr. Wallace's motion. I want to remind everyone that this type of investigation will also prejudice the ongoing investigation. As I said, it's muddling. It's not a matter of getting answers for Canadians; it's trying to embarrass a government at the expense of Canadians, and at the expense of Canadians having their identities stolen.
Mr. Martin said this is an important task for our committee. We have an important task and the opportunity to present some options and solutions to these problems. We've only scratched the surface. How much time do we have left?
I urge all committee members to think about those things. Let's move in the direction we decided on a number of weeks ago. Let's do what we should be doing for our constituents and not go off chasing rabbits.