I spent some time trying to get into the mind of the new government. I've watched more Liberal videos in the last few days than I have in my whole life. I believe it, actually; I believe that one of the motivations of Liberal MPs was a frustration such as all outsiders feel with not knowing what's going on on the inside. I believe there's enough idealism and goodwill there that I came here today in the hope, in the constructive hope that by showing some bad examples I would appeal to the better angels of a party that I have long opposed. It was to say, “Look, this is not who you are, certainly not who you say you are.” I'm hoping that was a case of someone under pressure who didn't want to do the wrong thing and embarrass her bosses; but if you get one, two, three, four, or five things in a row like that, I think....
With these exemptions, you can use your discretion and your wiggle room either way. I think these egregious examples that I showed today.... I believe there should be a national security exemption; I think it's being abused. I believe that the department should work hard for the government's mandate, but that has nothing to do with the person who has a job to disclose the facts.
Yes, I think it can be fixed, and I have to tell you, I rather like the Liberal plan—default to open, a five-buck hurdle, put things online.... I have to say that none of that offends me as a conservative. I think they can do it, if they mean it, and I'm here hoping they mean it. I think this can be fixed.
I think Duff is so right. The stuff is digitized anyway. You want to have someone look over it to redact personal details and other obvious exemptions. Duff said he's getting tired of coming here time and again. This is my first time before the committee, and I'm being naively optimistic. I think it can happen. I know that wasn't exactly your question, but I think the problems I encountered could be solved by a change in culture and leadership at the top. I really do.