Thank you, Mr. Chair.
First of all, I want you all to know that I am somewhat disappointed. This is the first meeting of this committee that I have attended. In the case of the other committees, I always liked to read the witnesses' submissions before the meeting, in order to be able to ask more relevant and intelligent questions. I only received one submission in advance of this meeting, and only when I arrived here at that. That was the brief of the Canadian Bar Association. I had tremendous faith in the witnesses that they would tell us whether or not they agreed with this proposed legislation which, in our opinion, seemed necessary a priori, but initially, difficult to develop.
You can correct me if I am wrong, but as I understand it, Ms. Stoddart, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner is more or less completely satisfied with the proposed legislation. The Canadian Bar Association has suggested a few changes to us, but it is very difficult to follow along without a written text. It's so much easier with one. I also understand that law enforcement agencies are more or less prepared for this legislation.
I would like to ask a question that has long concerned me and I would appreciate a succinct answer. Twelve numbers appear on the back of our credit cards. What is the purpose of the last three digits on the back of the card that are not embossed? I used to think they had something to do with security, that basically, they were tied in some way to our relationship with the individual... People have asked me if they are required to give out these last three digits over the Internet when requested to do so.
Perhaps Mr. Courtois, an industry representative, could enlighten us.