Thank you, Chair.
This committee has a mandate, and I'm sure everyone's familiar with it. It's under subparagraph 108(3)(h)(vi). I'm sure we could all quote it chapter and verse, but let me quote it just to remind my colleagues of the mandate of the standing committee:
in cooperation with other committees, the review of and report on any federal legislation, regulation or Standing Order which impacts upon the access to information or privacy of Canadians or the ethical standards of public office holders;
That's what this committee is charged with, so this is the appropriate place to do that. As some will have noted, I asked the Prime Minister for his thoughts on this in question period, but perhaps question period isn't always the most deliberative place that we have in the House or in Parliament. This is, of course. It's a committee.
I move the following motion, and I'll be curious for colleagues' comments on it:
That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(h)(vi), the Committee undertake a study of the Conflict of Interest Act and how it relates to public office holders; that the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner be invited to discuss her 2013 recommendations—
—that have been so often quoted—
—provided in the context of the five-year review of the Act; that the Finance Minister be invited to explain decisions he has made in accordance with the Conflict of Interest Act; and that this study begin as soon as possible.
That is the motion as moved. I want to be very cautious, and respectful of our witnesses today. I'm not expecting an extended debate on this, but I wanted to put it forward, hear comments from colleagues, and move this motion.