I realize just how sensitive the matter is, and I think we need to be careful. I also realize that the minister and department have taken legal action, but the fact remains that our committee made the decision to study the KPMG and Isle of Man issue. The committee did that so it could get to the bottom of the situation insofar as that was possible.
If the department's request is ultimately granted by the courts, it doesn't mean that the committee will have access to the information, making it difficult to continue the discussion and study that we, ourselves, decided to undertake.
Another legal consideration we have to take into account concerns the five individuals whose case is still pending. We are prepared to accept that getting the names of those individuals would be difficult, so an amendment to exclude those five names from the list requested by the committee would probably be called for. But if the committee is serious about getting to the bottom of the KPMG and Isle of Man issue, we should vote in favour of the motion and see what KPMG decides to do in response to the committee's motion and request.
Let's not forget that Mr. Wiebe told the committee that any illegal tax manoeuvres by employees had to be reported, and I think the scheme that has come to light could clearly be qualified as such. That's why I don't think KPMG will necessarily refuse to hand over the list of employees involved.
As for the witness list, it's essential for the committee to do its work.
I would suggest we examine the motion in its current form, while being open to possibly removing the names of the five individuals whose case is before the court, if the committee members were in agreement. It is our duty to vote in favour of this motion so the committee can continue its examination of the issue.