Thanks very much, Madam Chair.
Good morning, Minister.
Thank you to you and your officials for your introductory remarks with respect to this important piece of legislation. I think we're all united in wanting to see a thorough debate about this given the social harms that are at play, in particular with regard to vulnerable Canadians, young Canadians, women and others.
I really want to zero in on the part of the bill that deals with a digital safety commission because, on my first reading of this proposed legislation, the powers that would be imbued within this new commission are extensive. Again, on my first review of this legislation, it would make certain content inaccessible. It would create new investigative powers. It would create a forum in which there could be hearings that could be closed to the public given certain sensitivities that may be in play, as well as privacy considerations. The commission would have the power to create regulations and codes of conduct and also levy quite significant penalties.
Given that, would you agree, Minister, that the chair of this commission will have quite a significant authority in those areas?