Thank you.
Once again, although I am pleased that clause 10 was not supported, the very fact that this kind of bill was introduced in Parliament, that the Conservative Party voted for it on second reading and that it was referred to the committee in this way, with two provisions permitting investigations of persons who are supposed to ensure that members obey the law, is extremely problematic.
The withdrawal of those provisions here today reflects a certain amount of good will, but the mere fact that they were introduced indicates a genuine lack of respect for agents of Parliament. This opens the door to witch hunts. Dean Del Mastro, for example, requested an investigation into Elections Canada because he was not happy with what that agency did and felt particularly targeted for partisan reasons.
What appears in clauses 9 and 10 is totally vague. It permits witch hunts, and we are fundamentally opposed to those clauses.
In the circumstances, I will be happy to vote against clause 10 along with my colleagues.
Thank you.