That would not in fact be a precedent-setting thing at the committee, even if...and frankly, I disagree that it would be the case, because the witnesses would merely be giving background. They will not be at all influencing what is at the core of the argument at an appeal's court. I would also argue there is no precedent, because, as you'll recall, in the 40th Parliament there were witnesses called who were under investigation by the RCMP, by the Information Commissioner, or by others, but there was no due regard given to them for any kind of independence or otherwise. At that time, it seemed appropriate to my colleague and others in his party, and now it appears that's not the case. As I said, it's a remarkable transformation, but people change.
On September 27th, 2011. See this statement in context.