First, given that I tabled my motion in French, I'd like to remind Mr. Hoback, in case he is unaware, that it is normal and customary to be able to present a motion orally and with simultaneous interpretation when the motion relates to the committee's business. This is normal, and it is consistent with the committee's standing orders. If he is not aware of this that is too bad for him.
Furthermore, Mr. Hoback has accused us of filibustering. I'm very surprised because my colleague, Mr. Easter, tabled a motion requesting that an investigation be undertaken and that we consider the issue of political interference on the part of the government in matters of access to information. The motion also requested that several witnesses appear, including Mr. Soudas. The purpose of the committee's business is to consider the issue of political interference. It is the job of parliamentary committees to consider matters and to work on them.
I think there is political interference and filibustering. I'm referring to measures taken by the Government House Leader on May 25 last when he asked that his political staff no longer appear before committees. This is interference, obstruction, and a disregard for parliamentary standing orders. No one is above the law and a leader, as I have already stated in committee, cannot just change rules, committees' standing orders, and current legislation. No one is above the law, and refusing to receive a summons to appear is disregarding the law.
By sending a letter to the effect that his employee, Dimitri Soudas, will not appear, Mr. Harper is sending a signal. Everyone is fully aware—it has been in the newspapers—that we are attempting to reach Mr. Soudas. Not only is this an affront to democracy, but it is an attempt to be above the law. It is absolutely despicable and incomprehensible. We're seeing this more and more on the part of the current Conservative government. When it's not convenient, they shut Parliament down and try to change the rules.
We are beginning the committee's work to consider political interference and access to information and Mr. Soudas must appear. We have to hear Mr. Soudas and other witnesses, and not the ministers who want to appear instead of the witnesses who have been summoned.
I think that my motion has to be presented. Mr. Dimitri Soudas refuses to receive his summons to appear but by law we can rule on this. As stated in my motion, he is deemed to have been summoned because this has been made public.
That's all, Mr. Chairman.