There are a few issues. One is related to the justice department. If there is a lawsuit, would they be allowed to come to testify? I'm not sure if they'd be able to answer questions. It doesn't mean you can't ask the questions, but I think there are other departments that might be more appropriate, because we're talking about an investigation. In this case, that would probably be the RCMP, because they're the ones who would probably have to conduct that investigation.
I'm not sure, but I also agree that maybe we need to take our time on this. It's good to debate it now. I think everyone is in agreement that we want to move forward in some way—I haven't heard anyone say no—but we do need to take our time to make sure that we're doing it in an appropriate way, so that we have success at the end of the day. What we've been talking about is ensuring, one, that justice is done for the women, but also that we respect the conventions and the separation of powers between the judiciary and ourselves. We have considerable powers if we wish to force people to testify, but we do have to be very careful. I think we need to take a bit more of our time.
I'm not sure if we need to specify all of the witnesses. I'm not convinced about that because there is, I believe, the subcommittee that runs the affairs of this committee that could set the witness list with everyone's suggestions. I don't think people would have their suggested witnesses denied.
I think, as well, this might be at a much higher level. I know we have some very capable assistant deputy ministers who have come to committee, but at the same time maybe someone at a more deputy minister level, even higher up in the food chain, might need to come and respond to questions. Not trying to make it overly political is also one of the issues. This goes to basic human rights in Canada, and it's something we have to deal with here.
One final thing: I know we want to move on to the next speaker, but the witnesses are sitting here. I'm not sure if we're going to get back to the witnesses to hear any more testimony. I know there was another round of questions to be asked of them. The issue is, should they continue to sit here for the next 35 minutes and listen to us? Will we get to go back to the questions, or are we done with that portion? I believe a lot of people do wish to speak and debate this issue and think out the best ways forward.
I'm just wondering if there are additional questions that people have for the witnesses. I know that the analysts have prepared a number of questions, which might also shed light on this. If they don't have it on the record.... I know it was the final round.
There are a number of questions.