Order.
This is meeting number fifteen of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics, pursuant to Standing Orders 108(2) and 108(3)(h)(iv), a special report of the Information Commissioner entitled Report Cards 2007-2008 and Systemic Issues Affecting Access to Information in Canada, referred by the committee. This is on the access issue, for those who want just the issue.
Our witness today is from the New Brunswick Office of the Ombudsman, Mr. Christian Whalen, legal counsel. He was referred to us by the access to information commissioner's office because of the extensive work.
The reason I started the meeting is that to hear witnesses we only need to have three members. With the votes, I know that other members are going to be slightly delayed. Since Mr. Whalen does have a travel commitment to be out of here in time to catch a flight, I want to start as soon as we can.
With that, we've had a brief discussion, Mr. Whalen. Welcome. Thank you for coming.
It is an issue that has seized us as a consequence of the report of the access to information commissioner. The report is on 10 of the departments, as well as the fact that, as you're probably aware, this particular act has not been amended in over 25 years. There are issues, and I know you have some words of wisdom to share with us.
So I'm going to turn it over to you for your opening comments. I know the members will have some questions. Please proceed.