Thanks.
The comments you made a moment ago about the ten recommendations, do you have those comments in writing? I've reviewed your statement, and it doesn't specifically address the ten recommendations that were provided to us by the Privacy Commissioner. Do you have those comments? Could you provide them to us in a more substantive manner?
I heard your general comments about how recommendation 1 would get in the way of wiretaps or some form of investigation; and that recommendation 2 you don't really like, but other than saying that it would change the nature of the act, you weren't really specific about the particular part you're concerned about.
We've had a number of witnesses come before this committee saying they're glad the committee is reviewing the Privacy Act, that it's important and has to be done, but we've not had as much substantive consideration of the ten recommendations that the Privacy Commissioner has put forward, or any other recommendations that we should be considering. I am not speaking for my colleagues, but I'm really looking for that kind of substantive comment.
This is an area you're responsible for. I'd like to know in detail what restrictions this would place, if this were adopted. Are you seeking an exemption? We understand that this is a law of general application. There are many ministries it would apply to. Perhaps there should be an exemption for national security or for other forms of surveillance, but that's what I'd like to hear.
I don't expect you to have that comment for me now, so I'll move to some other questions, but if you could provide us with that substantive review of the ten recommendations and other thoughts on the Privacy Act, I would very much appreciate it.
In terms of my remaining questions, you talked a moment ago about how you have to share information with other nations to protect our national security. What agreements do you have with other countries right now, when you share the information of Canadians? Do you have any agreements with any other nations on how to protect the privacy of Canadians?