Thank you, Chair.
I'd just like to reference some of the comments made by my colleague, Mr. Poilievre, from Public Accounts. He initially stated that voters don't care about these issues and he referenced the past election. In fact, there is a deep cynicism in the public about political processes. It's not a matter of voters not caring.
Voters care a great deal about how their elected representatives conduct themselves. Voters care a great deal about how those for whom they have made that leap of faith and put an X next to their names conduct themselves in ethical and honest ways. I don't agree with that flippant comment that voters don't care. Voters care, but they've been very disappointed.
That's why I'd like to agree with the subsequent comment Mr. Poilievre made that these very serious issues be treated with seriousness, and not as political batons. The not-so-subtle threat that Mr. Poilievre made about Public Accounts and going back to reports that were dealt with in detail in Public Accounts--in fact, completed--does a disservice. I certainly hope he subscribes to the very sentiment he initially expressed when he started his interjection. These are serious issues. I believe the Canadian public would like us to treat them with seriousness, and I believe we should rise to the occasion and have the capacity to do so.
Thank you.