If, as they are saying, some mysterious person out there is alleging systematic attempts to defraud Elections Canada and the Canadian taxpayer, then they are systematic attempts to defraud Elections Canada and the Canadian taxpayer that they're engaging in themselves. The only way they can demonstrate otherwise is to agree to a motion that allows us to investigate the practices of all the parties. In no other way is it possible to do it.
But they don't want that. What they want is to narrow it down, claim that it's this outrageous abuse, that “only you guys do it, and we're only going to allow you to be investigated”, and then they can be as extreme as they want in their assertions. And if anybody opposes their assertions and presents reasoned arguments as to why this is an inappropriate forum and an inappropriate way of proceeding, an inappropriate timetable, they'll simply disregard any procedural considerations that are brought forward, overrule the chair, freeze debate, and rush through this McCarthyite hearing.
Mr. Chairman, this is just wrong. The way to stop it is by means of this motion, or a motion similar to it.
Thank you.