Thank you, Mr. Chair.
All of the arguments made are valid.
However, it must be noted that in the case of facial recognition, we have not asked to meet with the Member of Parliament. It is strictly operational.
However, while it is operational, the use of software like Pegasus is of concern because of the scope of this kind of tool, which goes beyond anything we have seen up to now. If the minister is aware of it, I would like to know. If he is not, I would like to make him aware, in any event.
The use of a tool called a “device investigation tool” is not something innocuous in operational terms or even in political terms. I don't think the RCMP can decide this by itself, without talking to anyone.
Above all, the minister should know about it, because it falls into another category. This isn't facial recognition or geolocating people. We're virtually in Minority Report territory.
For the purposes of public policy, accountability and the trust we need to have in government, I think we have to retain the option of calling the minister to appear.