Invoking Standing Order 106(4) is done in extraordinary circumstances, especially when time is of the essence. It clearly applies in these circumstances, but this is a particularly exceptional set of circumstances. As my colleague Mr. Fergus has stated, Canadians' lives are at risk. There is a Canadian who faces the death sentence, and there are two Canadians incarcerated in the Chinese penal system.
I believe it's absolutely important that representatives of the people, of the Canadian electorate, have an opportunity to be briefed so that Canadians can feel secure that we are in fact doing our jobs. However, nothing should be done to inadvertently put at risk Canadian lives and the well-being of Canadians in extremely difficult circumstances. We all understand that at times during committees things sometimes inadvertently come out. We should err on the side of caution. Lives are at risk. Canadian lives are at risk.
To underline another comment from my colleague Mr. Fergus, should the ambassador feel that it would be helpful in these cases, he will have the opportunity to make public statements. This is an opportunity for us as parliamentarians to be briefed directly so that we have a clear understanding of what's happening, and so Canadians can feel at ease that we are in fact doing everything that is absolutely possible to make sure that for these Canadians who are at risk, whatever can be done is being done.