Thank you very much, Chair.
I have a motion here that was talked about previously:
That, in relation to the committee ongoing study of credit card practices, and given various departments have refused to answer questions and produce documentation related to the committee's ongoing study, the committee therefore order the department to produce:
(a) Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner's request for any briefing notes and summary documents prepared by the department related to the Government of Canada's consultation process on reducing interchange fees, including any and all written submissions received by stakeholders;
(b) MP Jean-Denis Garon's request for all copies of Visa and Mastercard's initial offer to reduce interchange fees, including any and all counter offers by the department, as well as any and all email exchanges related to these negotiations between Visa, Mastercard, and American Express;
(c) MP Brian Masse's request for any advise letters or memorandums provided to the minister on the matter of reducing interchange fees or credit card reductions more broadly;
that these documents be produced to the committee within 14 days following the adoption of this motion, unredacted, and in both official languages.
I think it's important because, when we look at some of the committee testimony we've had here, and the lack of answers provided when we had government officials and these companies here.... The production of these documents would be extremely helpful for this committee in terms of getting answers and results for Canadians as to why things continue to be the way they are in that ecosystem.
I think it's good to do this motion. It ties in with what the parties all heard and saw in committee. It respects the wishes of multiple parties here. I think this is a good one that the committee can get done quickly. It won't interfere with any of the meetings we are trying to schedule. It's simply asking for these documents and provides a very clear timeline for when they need to come—obviously, in both official languages and clearly unredacted. That way, we get the information this committee is requesting. It's entirely within the rights and ability of this committee to do so.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.