Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
At the last meeting, I had a motion that would provide the committee with some parameters about when it would go in camera. Mr. Carrie, I think quite thoughtfully, advised us to take some time to consider that motion, which we did.
I had a chance to talk to you, Mr. Chairman, and I'd like to thank you for reaching out and discussing that matter.
With regard to my main concern, it's my belief that the bulk of this committee's business should be conducted in public so that we're accountable to the Canadian public, so that there's a record of our deliberations and our votes, so that we have transparency in government. My main concern was that in previous Parliaments, it was customary for committees to go in camera when they were discussing committee business. I felt that was not an appropriate use of the in camera process. To me, in camera is used for the consideration of draft reports when it's necessary for committee members to be free to discuss things and discuss witnesses' evidence in a very free and open way. It's also for confidential matters or personnel matters or financial matters. However, the consideration of committee business should always be public.
After having a discussion with you, Mr. Chairman, I'm very pleased that you have agreed with that general thrust. On that basis, I have decided to withdraw my motion. I'm happy to leave this in your capable hands and see how it goes. I trust that you will run the committee with the appropriate regard for the public nature of it. If not, my motion hangs like the sword of Damocles over the committee's head.