Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
At the last meeting, we were unable to finish our discussion on my motion in regard to the former chief of Stats Canada and his resignation. I was hoping that we could finish that off briefly this afternoon before we get into the witnesses' testimony.
As we see that more of the economic data that comes out isn't great, unfortunately for Canadians who are looking for jobs, the integrity of Statistics Canada is important, as are the numbers they collect and the reports they produce, which so many base decisions on. Banks and their chief economists, and businesses, etc., need that information.
Mr. Smith was very clear on more than one occasion about his concern with regard to Shared Services Canada. Their inability to perform what in many industries we would call the most basic of support functions should be a huge concern.
Also, in light of the fact that in the last election the Liberal Party made Stats Canada a huge issue, including the long-form census and many other components, in addition to the ability of scientists to have independence—which it looks as if they're not going to have under this government—I would think my colleagues across the way would want to have a few meetings, have Mr. Smith and others come in, and be able to discuss my motion.
In addition to that, have the vote in public and have the comments in public, not in camera. I believe we are either the only one or one of the very few that actually conduct their business in camera, which is unfortunate, because that's another pledge they made.