The order of today is the Easter motion, which says that the committee “study regarding allegations of systemic political interference by Ministers' offices to block, delay, or obstruct the release of information to the public regarding the operations of government departments and that the committee call” witnesses, one of which is Mr. Togneri.
It is my ruling, Mr. Bezan, that this is not a matter of sensitive, secretive information. This is, in fact, a study of a committee seeking to get the facts as to what the operations are as they relate to the matter of access to information requests. This is not a specific allegation against anyone. It is simply a study of this committee.
Accordingly, I will rule that we are going to proceed with the witness.
Mr. Togneri, I would just indicate to you that refusal to answer a question is not an option. However, should you believe that there is a substantive reason why you cannot, I would request that you give that reason to the chair, and I'll make a ruling. Okay?
Let's proceed. Thank you.