Have no fear, Mr. Chair. I don't think there's any reason to be afraid.
Although I am not a regular member of this committee, I am a member of the ethics committee. What I find so incredibly disappointing is that you have at every turn, every committee, the Liberal government propped up by the NDP, and a willingness to do everything imaginable to cover up, shirk responsibility and hide behind procedure, behind whatever it takes to keep answers from being made public.
This goes far beyond politics. Over the last number of years we have seen a profound erosion of trust in our national institutions take place, a profound erosion of trust that has led many Canadians to question not just how their tax dollars are being spent—that's an age-old political question—but also every aspect of whether or not government can be trusted.
One of the most disappointing things—and I think I speak for many Canadians on this—is that, although the Liberals talked big about transparency prior to their election and they continue to peacock that they care deeply about it, when it comes to action, they fail every step of the way.
To ensure that I keep this brief, I won't go through the many examples that I could point out of where that has been the case, of how they have truly talked out of both sides of their mouths. I've seen members of this committee misrepresent what the committee is trying to accomplish here.
Chair, if I may, just to ensure members of this committee, I will read from the book that governs the work we do here, which is known as Bosc and Gagnon. I'm reading specifically from House of Commons Procedure and Practice, third edition, 2017. I'll quote for the benefit of all in the committee here, so that they will remember that they first serve their constituents by the power of the supremacy of Parliament in our system. That's important, because I think we see that members—specifically of the Liberal Party but also those of the NDP as my colleague, Mr. Genuis, outlined—seem to be quick to serve their political masters as opposed to the purposes that we have to serve Canadians.
I will quote from page 137:
The only limitations, which could only be self-imposed, would be that any inquiry should relate to a subject within the legislative competence of Parliament, particularly where witnesses and documents are required and the penal jurisdiction of Parliament is contemplated. This dovetails with the right of each House of Parliament to summon and compel the attendance of all persons within the limits of their jurisdictions.
It goes on to say, interestingly, how the only individuals who committees are not able to compel to attend committee—and this extends to the production of documents—are “the Sovereign, the Governor General, Lieutenant Governors, Members, Senators, officers of another legislature or persons outside of Canada.”
Chair, we have the ability to get answers and this committee needs to act on that. The Liberals and the NDP need to serve Canadians, not their own personal political interests.