Thank you, senator.
The committee's mandate under the legislation is to help the Speakers manage and oversee the Library of Parliament. Over the years, the Library's officials have always been readily available and open to the idea of appearing more often before the committee. If I'm the nominee, I'll also do my utmost to appear before the committee.
Regular appearances before this committee would help ensure accountability, a key part of the committee's mandate. This includes coming to share our plans and priorities or to meet with you, for example, before we publish our annual report.
That said, I could see another benefit. The Library's sole responsibility is to support both Houses. Appearing before a joint committee, meaning a committee made up of senators and members of Parliament, gives us the opportunity to receive input from both Houses and to consult you on certain initiatives. This would be good for accountability. It would also give us the opportunity to work with you on setting our priorities and to consult you on initiatives.
Moreover, we must do a better job of consulting parliamentarians in general. I think that we could come to this committee and look together at the best approach. Past Library surveys have generated very little response to this type of initiative or consultation. Of course, people are busy.
We could come to you to discuss the best approach and the topics that require consultation and feedback.