We'll just move on. We only have a minute and a half left.
I just want to leave you with this, Minister.
Again, there are a lot of communication problems happening. There is not a lot of empathy being expressed by you or your department for the struggles going forward. I was trying to get to know what kind of minister you are and I went through your remarks in the House of Commons. I just want to share this one quote that you shared in the House of Commons near the beginning of your political career. You said:
In the mandate letter of every minister, the Prime Minister notes the government's commitment “to set a higher bar for openness and transparency in government.”
You went on to say:
...we live up to these words every single day.
Further, you noted that the Prime Minister had mandated that every minister “shine more light” on government to ensure that it remains focused on the people it serves. Indeed, in his mandate letters, the Prime Minister stated that “Government and its information should be open by default. If we want Canadians to trust their government, we need a government that trusts Canadians.”
Again, I don't think we're seeing a lot of trust from you or your department in these people who are suffering, trying to be reunited with their families. Really, I do feel that the mark of a good leader, Minister, is not if you can stick to your principles in the easy times; it's whether you can stick to them in the bad times.
Over the holidays, I just ask that you reflect on your previous words and principles and consider all of the communication issues and transparency issues that you're facing. I also ask that you bring more empathy to your talking points and your announcements, and acknowledge the suffering that your department has caused people at home and abroad. Finally, I ask that you do everything you possibly can to reunite as many people as possible for Christmas. I'd just ask that you consider that.
I thank you, Minister.