Order.
This is the 21st meeting of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. Orders of the day, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(h)(vi), are a study on allegations of political interference into access to information requests.
Our witnesses today are witnesses from the House of Commons. Mr. Rob Walsh is the law clerk and parliamentary counsel. Colleagues, he's asked, and I've agreed, to allow Mr. Greg Tardi, parliamentary counsel, to also be at the table to assist in the provision of information to the committee members.
I would indicate to the committee that there is a matter going on in the House that may trigger a half-hour bell and a vote. I thought it would happen earlier, but it didn't, so we're going to carry on as long as we can, and maybe we'll get through this. It has to do with the Afghan detainee documents, and there's extensive debate going on at this time.
Welcome, gentlemen, to the committee. As you know, the committee has been conducting a study. As a consequence of some of the matters that have transpired during the study, the committee requested that you appear to provide us with information to guide the committee or to answer questions with regard to parliamentary or in fact legal ramifications of failure to appear before a committee, whether it be on invitation or even by summons.
Having said that, Mr. Walsh and Mr. Tardi, I would entertain any brief opening remarks you care to make to put some context to your role or to provide information to the committee.
Please proceed.