Thank you, Madam Chair.
Good morning. My name is Patrick McDonell and I am the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons. Thank you for inviting me, once again, to address your committee.
As you know, I appeared before your committee on February 8 to discuss security issues, and I was with the deputy clerk of the administration on April 28, 2022, to discuss the possibility of expanding the parliamentary precinct.
I will be cautious about speaking openly about sensitive matters involving security on the Hill and MPs' security off the Hill.
Security matters, when discussed before the Board of Internal Economy, are legislatively mandated under the Parliament of Canada Act to be discussed in camera. Some information, if made public, could increase the vulnerability of the House of Commons security posture, the Parliament buildings, parliamentarians and other persons within the parliamentary precinct.
As head of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms and Corporate Security, I note that my team works in close collaboration with its partners to provide a secure environment for members of Parliament, employees and visitors on the Hill. Simply put, our job is to ensure safe and secure access for members, their staff and the administration once they arrive on the precinct.
Working in tandem with our partners in the Parliamentary Protective Service and the Senate Corporate Security, we adapt our practices proactively and continuously, while also responding to evolving security risks. My colleagues in PPS are responsible for the physical security of members within the precinct, and the police of jurisdiction is responsible for the physical safety of all citizens off the precinct, which we know begins at the north sidewalk of Wellington Street.
In these challenging times, things move quickly. New threats are constantly emerging, so it is worth repeating that in no way can we work in isolation. We collaborate closely with our partners, both on and off the Hill, for a coordinated approach to ensure the safety of its people, assets and heritage.
I repeat: our primary function is to ensure the safety of members. We recognize that prevention and early intervention can defuse threats and dangers to them.
As I said, I am happy to testify, but you will understand, I hope, that I am not at liberty to say everything, given that the meeting is public.
Thank you.