I see no need for the kinds of restrictions that you might contemplate--timelines or the like. To me, it's critical that an independent officer have the ability to reassure applicants and Canadians at large that they have reviewed the records. I'm not for a moment suggesting when I say this that the records ought to be disclosed. There's a big difference. If the exceptions apply--law enforcement, national security, personal privacy, or the legitimate business of cabinet--then I think that clearly those records should continue to be withheld.
What I do say, though, is that there needs to be the credibility that general oversight provides. That credibility is sadly lacking at the federal level, certainly as compared to the United Kingdom and most of the provinces of Canada.
I think it's an essential feature that we reverse this compromise that was put in so long ago in our law and that is unprecedented anywhere in the world.