Yes. Okay.
As you have seen with the premise of many of our amendments to Bill C-58, they are based on the testimony we had, the witnesses who came forward and testified, particularly the Information Commissioner, who's most familiar with this act.
One of the things she brought forward in testimony was the need for an aspect of mediation. I'll quote her testimony on November 1: “The reason why I'm recommending that there be a formal provision for mediation is because sometimes some complainants particularly do not wish to participate in the mediation process. I think that the mediation process is extremely helpful in resolving complaints in a more timely way. I think that would be helpful. It also puts focus on the mediation process with institutions as well.”
Resolving things through mediation seems to me, especially when there's a conflict between the applicant and whatever ministry they are dealing with, a way to make real the duty to assist aspect of current access to information law. If there's a duty to assist, and there's a conflict of interpretation, then NDP-22, this amendment we've moved, new clause 13.1, would allow a formal mediation function in the course of an investigation.
That's essentially our amendment. I think it would help Canadians, and I think it would also help government in releasing information that's both helpful and appropriate.