All right. Thank you. I appreciate that.
Mr. Poilievre and colleagues, we received a copy of this communication from Mr. Lecours that was raised at our last meeting. I undertook to get an opinion from the law clerk. I gave it verbally, but I have it in writing now.
The law clerk has clearly stated that, notwithstanding the Information Commissioner's communication, the committee's rights to hear a witness cannot be overridden by any other proceeding--any other proceeding. The commissioner called yesterday and asked to speak with me--actually, at 9 o'clock this morning. There were two matters. The first was not relevant to this committee, but she did want to offer with regard to the matter you have just raised... She confirmed to me verbally there was no concern from the Information Commissioner's office with regard to Mr. Togneri's appearance before this committee today.
Having said that, I appreciate the information, but we are going to proceed with this witness now.