Thank you, Madam Chair.
I'd like to speak to the last part of this motion. The Conservatives like to tout that they're the ones who brought forward the Federal Accountability Act and the accountable government act, and they pat themselves on the back and say what a good job they've done. But the moment they're questioned on this, the moment someone wants to ask a further question under the guise of this act, they scatter. They don't want to have anything to do with it. They don't want us to ask questions about it, but they can get out there and pat themselves on the back. I think if they're serious about accountability and accountable government they wouldn't mind people asking questions; they would welcome them with open arms. But that's not the case.
The other part of Mr. Angus's motion mentioned Accountable Government: A Guide for Ministers and Ministers of State, 2011. They certainly use the word “guide”, because sometimes they use it and sometimes they say it's only a guide, they don't need to go by that all the time. In the guide, signed by Stephen Harper, it says ministers must answer the questions that are presented in the House. But when this minister gets a question, they get their little lap dog to come out and answer the questions for him.
If you're going to be serious about this, and if the public is going to think you're credible, you've got to be able to withstand some of the heat. I would encourage them, if they want to be open and accountable, to let some of the questions be asked. Sometimes you've got to suck it up and take it.