It's kind of nice to be back here in southern Canada, but of course I love the north.
I just want to add a few more comments that may not have been raised to this point or emphasized to the extent that I'd like to see them emphasized.
It's my view that the Privacy Act is a strong piece of legislation. By his letter, I think the minister feels the same way. I'm concerned that we haven't spent enough time giving consideration for context here, that is, the impact the changes to this legislation would have on specific kinds of government operations that we should be concerned or preoccupied with, to the extent that the proposed amendments, as my colleague said, could have a serious impact on government operations subject to the act.
“Legislative amendments must be examined in the context of administrative alternatives,” the minister says in his letter, “such as enhanced guidance and training that can be equally effective to realizing continued improvements.”
Our work is incomplete here to that extent. I offer that up for the committee's consideration. I think it's worth pointing out that the report states that the committee supports only five of the Privacy Commissioner's twelve recommendations. It appears as though a more in-depth analysis and discussion at this more than capable committee is required, a broader study, if you will, of the Privacy Act, and any reform as needed. I think that's a fairly meritorious basis on which to consider a lengthier discussion on this. That's all I want to add for now.