Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Just further to your comments, followed up by Mr. Dechert's, I think what you're proposing is much more reasonable than the motion before the committee. I'd remind members that the motion indicates that we report to the House profound disappointment with the response of the minister. That's pretty strong.
If we want to work with the minister, why not request of the minister that he give a more comprehensive response, a detailed response, indicating why the recommendations made by the committee may require more caution, more work, and more testimony. What are the concerns related to those recommendations? I think it's entirely reasonable for the committee to go back and say that we need more information, because we're not sure how to proceed, and that we don't understand why these five recommendations are being dismissed and why he thinks we should do more work before he stands by them, frankly. I think that's entirely reasonable.
Second, perhaps by doing more work, we'll determine that we don't need a new Privacy Act. Maybe there are amendments to the Act the committee wants to recommend. I think requesting a more comprehensive letter from the minister would be a reasonable and rational approach, including citing why members of the committee—not me, but some members of the committee—feel that the response of the minister left them looking for more.
I think that's entirely reasonable. I think, and I agree with the chair, that using the words “profound disappointment” and bringing that to the House wouldn't necessarily foster good relationships between an individual and the Minister of Justice, whom I have a great deal of respect for, and this committee. I think we should be mindful of that. I would agree with the chair.
Frankly, if the minister comes back with a response that is more comprehensive, I hope the committee would take that into account. If you still have concerns about the response of the minister, then perhaps you would move forward with a motion. I would never support a motion that reads like Mrs. Simson's. But perhaps at that point, after receiving a letter that would indicate why the Minister of Justice is concerned about the recommendations made by the committee, you could consider your options.
Thank you.