Thank you.
We are here today because of a policy adopted by the Liberal government in response to the prorogations sought by former prime minister Stephen Harper. My understanding is that the policy was meant to prevent controversial prorogations and hold the government to account when it decided to prorogue Parliament.
The committee has heard very different opinions as to why the government prorogued Parliament. This study matters to me, and my hope is that we will be able to understand the type of precedent this creates and thereby ensure future governments are less likely to abuse the power of prorogation.
We have repeatedly heard that all roads led to the Prime Minister. Weare well aware that the prime minister is the one with the constitutional power to advise the governor general to prorogue Parliament. What we want to know are the reasons why that advice was given. We still haven't heard from the Prime Minister, himself, or had the opportunity to ask him questions.
Do you think the Prime Minister should appear before the committee as part of this study? Would that set a good precedent?
I'd like Mr. Taillon to answer first, followed by Mr. Bratt.