Thank you, Chairman.
I think I've answered that question. As I've explained, I referred for example to the authority of Mr. Leadbeater. As well, I point out that the previous version of Accountable Government was something called Guidance for Ministers, and the version of that document issued in November 2003 by the incoming government of Prime Minister Chrétien said as follows--and this is directly responsive to the member's point. This is page 51, section V.6.
In French, the pages are 51 and 52.
“You are advised to operate in accordance with the intent as well as the letter of the Act when dealing with requests from the public for information”--and here's the key point--“and you have the right to expect your department to keep you fully informed of requests for access which are being granted.”
That was the policy of Prime Minister Chrétien and also of the two previous prime ministers.
So there's nothing wrong with informing staff of the minister or the minister that the decision has been made and stuff is going out the door. The key is that the process should not involve delay, should not involve alteration of the decision.