Yes, I will make this very quick.
I too support the motion to ask the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner if they are conducting an investigation. If they are already doing so, then I support their getting involved for some of the reasons that were already spelled out. There absolutely seems to be a conflict, with counter-accusations being made between public sector employees. This almost feels like a street fight between public servants.
We also heard testimony from one of them that they felt that they didn't receive some of the protections that they believe they required for sharing their information and testimony. I do feel that it is right to bring an investigation by the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner into this discussion.
I do, however, agree with what my colleague said on two things. One is that I think there is a preliminary step to ask whether an investigation is already being conducted. The reason I want to ask that is that we have to be careful. Those are independent bodies. They are independent actors, the commissioners. They're independent of any political pressure. I want to make sure that we're careful of that and not be seen as influencing them in any way. I think it would be proper to ask whether they are already conducting an investigation. They may have information to bring to light that's important.
The other thing I wanted to emphasize—I've been saying this for the last number of weeks—is that I'd really appreciate it if the members around the table would cool the rhetoric with the political mudslinging and basically preening for the cameras just to get clips. Let us just stick to the facts. This issue is too important. The integrity of the procurement process and confidence in our public service and our public sector are important. I would just ask my colleagues around the table to cool it with the rhetoric and the mudslinging.
Thank you very much.