Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I appreciate the witnesses' joining us here today. Although I know that sometimes politicians and journalists have what can be an adversarial relationship, I acknowledge fully how important this conversation is in terms of accountability.
I will start by asking the same questions that I've asked all of our witnesses. They are two very simple questions to provide some context about the importance of this discussion. I'll go around the room, both in person and virtually. Before I do that, I invite the witnesses—because time is of course a precious resource—to please feel free to send further information if they don't have a chance to get it all in front of us here today.
My first question is, when it comes to the access to information system, is having one that works, that is effective, and that gives Canadians the information they need from their government essential to a modern and functioning democracy?
I'll start with Mr. Beeby.