Madam Minister, Parliament has the right to call for persons, papers, or records--all persons. Members of Parliament are exempt from that. They can refuse to appear.
We have called Mr. Sparrow, as an individual related to this matter, before us to respond to our questions. The ministerial relationship with staff is not going to supersede this committee's right to ask this person, whom we have duly called, to respond to the questions.
I will not entertain further debate on whether or not you can answer for Mr. Sparrow. My decision, based on the motion passed by this committee, is that Mr. Sparrow is going to answer the questions directed at him.
If you'd like to consult with him, as a lawyer might do, that's fine, but you are not able to address this committee directly. You can do it through Mr. Sparrow, if you wish.
But again, that's my ruling and I would like to have Mr. Sparrow answer that question now.