Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you for appearing before us this morning, Ms. Landman.
First, I am going to make the same correction Mr. Telegdi made. You should not have any problems concerning what you say to the committee. I will even go farther: when witnesses appear before this committee, they are protected by parliamentary privilege. In legal terms, it would simply be contempt of the House to use anything you may have said or might say against you. If you suffer any reprisals or pressure of any kind, inform the clerk and the Chair. The House will take what action is necessary.
Regarding the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, a number of people have met with us since we started our travels. Two major problems have emerged: problems relating to governance, to the management of the organization, and problems relating to oversight of the profession, illegal practice and ghost consultants. I am going to address them separately, because in my opinion they are two different things.
On the question of governance, a number of consultants have told us about problems with this. It is always the same points that are raised. The testimony seems to me to be solid, reliable and much more credible than the answers given by the Society, or not given by the Society. I am somewhat shocked that I am the only person who is shocked. For a long time, Mr. Carrier and I were the only people asking questions about this. Today, I am pleased that Mr. Telegdi has risen to the occasion. I hope that the Conservatives will also get on board. for a long time, according to other witnesses — if you read the proceedings, you will see — the parliamentary secretary has simply said that it was a new organization and it was having problems but it would have to mature, to develop. Personally, I simply do not agree.
My background is in student associations. No little student association in Quebec would behave or govern itself the way the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants governs itself.
From what you have said, I understood that the minutes of the discussions and decisions of the board are not available. Is that correct?