Madam Chair, I have no problem with the Auditor General investigating anything. That's her duty and job--if, how, why, when, or where it's deserved. This is a matter that's before the courts now. It's already been there three times. This will be the fourth.
We've had no compelling evidence come before this committee to suggest that we have this problem, this problem, this problem. Should that evidence come before this committee, then I think by all means a motion like this would be in order. At this particular point, the committee has not heard that type of evidence. I think we're being presumptuous on this, and particularly when a matter is before the courts.
I certainly think we should reserve the right to do this, and I think there might be a time to do this, but I don't believe the time is now to present a motion like this. I'm going to suggest that we not cast aside a motion like that, but that we at least take a look at a motion like that when the time is opportune and when the time is also real.
If this committee, in its wisdom, decides to go forward with this, so be it. I know, certainly as a government member, I have nothing at all...and the minister has been straightforward in his statement on this. The question is, do we want to interfere in the process if there's a time when this process should move forward with a request from the Auditor General? I seriously question the timing of this motion. I think we should consider that very, very seriously.
For that reason only, I certainly would vote against it, not for the spirit of the motion and having people come before us, and certainly not for the spirit of getting to the bottom of any situation. I think open and honest transparency is fine, but once again, time and a place. I don't believe this is the time or the place.