I'm speaking to the motion itself, as amended.
I'm not too preoccupied with what Mr. Kemper has said or not. What I am preoccupied with is whether this information will be used to go on a wild goose chase while we do not use the proper venues that are available to members of Parliament. I have repeated this before. The procurement ombudsman is a good venue to determine whether or not somebody is screaming foul play.
I have heard accusations that we have to provide details of all the emails that are coming through because we want to make sure there is no foul play. Then write to the Ethics Commissioner if you are so certain that there is foul play. That way, we'll guarantee that there is a non-partisan approach to this particular issue.
I have to agree with my colleague, Mr. Kusmierczyk. Mr. McCauley, you have not provided a reason as to why you want to see that particular information. You've said that information has been redacted. Great, then file a complaint with the Information Commissioner.
Now you're asking for information that has been redacted. Thankfully we've amended that particular motion to protect personal information, but if other information comes back and is redacted, then I would strongly encourage you to file a complaint with the Information Commissioner. That's why they're there. These officers of Parliament are there to provide non-partisan investigations into these matters.
We've seen it with the WE affair. For six months, I've heard you guys, time and time again, make accusations about corruption and whatnot and calling the RCMP in July of 2020. It was a “nothingburger”. You've made so many accusations. You can understand why we are somewhat wary as to the reason and the rationale as to why you want to see this particular information.
Mr. Chair, I'll leave it at that, but I have to question the rationale for why Mr. McCauley and the opposition.... They can say sunshine is the best disinfectant. Yes, that's great, but they have gone after the Prime Minister's family before and we know the results. The Ethics Commissioner cleared him. Now, because they weren't successful there, they're going to try to go after Mr. Kemper.
I hope that we don't get to this point in politics. Especially if you are screaming foul play, then get the procurement ombudsman involved. We don't need to go through this committee to get a $12,000 contract and wonder whether the emails and whether something smells fishy in there. Get him involved right away and he'll make that particular determination.
I'll leave it at that, Mr. Chair. Thank you.