I'm really concerned that we'll be disclosing to the public things that could be commercially sensitive. I think that could have a negative impact on further deals. It could have a negative impact on the Government of Canada's ability to negotiate.
I think these deals come with some pretty substantive agreements that are worked out and negotiated over time. I think companies would feel they are quite sensitive.
I'm a little confused as to what the objective really is here, if members aren't willing to get more information and clarity in camera. Is this really about revealing unredacted copies to the public, having that information out there and undermining the ability of some of these companies to attract further investment?
It seems like a pretty counterproductive thing. That's what's in the original motion. If members intended to get to the bottom of this, you'd think they would actually vote for more information, and access to more information would be better.
I'm still a bit confused as to what the intent is here. I'm sure it's not to undermine future investments or negotiations between Canada and other countries. I'm hopeful it's not to reveal things that are within those contracts that shouldn't be held in anything but the strictest confidentiality. Maybe members want to comment on that. It still strikes me as a bit of a sticking point here. I'm trying to understand the motivations of my colleagues.