Let's talk about what you mentioned, Mr. MacKinnon.
I have been on this committee for three years. In the past, we never met with officials at the start of the study of a bill without having an information paper, which is an absolutely essential document because it contains details that aren't in the bill or in the subsequent analysis which, quite often, is completed in the technical briefing that is held initially.
So I am a bit distraught by this. It's difficult for members to do their work, to ask good questions and to make sure the technical aspects are explored in depth if they don't have the briefing document. If I understand correctly, the department does not want to provide it before the bill is passed in second reading. Do I have that right?
It is not our fault if the committee does the study before it is passed in second reading. That was what the majority of committee members decided. This choice led to efficiency problems. It isn't easy to make progress on this study with the officials, even if we reserve the right to invite them to appear. It's a procedural problem that is the responsibility of the government members.