I need a little clarification, Chair, in terms of lawyers attending with witnesses. We've been down this road a number of occasions at this committee. It's convenient that Mr. Walsh is here, but can somebody remind me what the policy is vis-à-vis...?
I know the fact that any testimony given by a witness before a Commons committee cannot be used in any other venue; it can't be used in a court. This is what I'm recalling, but not the details. Therefore, the right to a lawyer to be right beside you and speak on your behalf is not there, because the trade-off is you're protected; anything you say at committee can't be used anywhere else.
I just wonder what the detail of that policy is. Are they allowed to sit there and consult before they answer?
The reason I'm asking, Chair, is that the lawyer's availability is affecting when Ms. Ouimet will attend. The question regarding the status of lawyers at these meetings has an impact on whether or not it's a legitimate request to delay the appearance until such time as said lawyer can make it or not.