This is simply a precaution.
First of all, asking for documents in both official languages is not in any way an editorial comment. I want to point out that today is Franco-Ontarian Day. I expect that we will receive the evidence, especially since it is in the form of recordings. I don't know if they are in English or French, but I believe it is customary for the committee to receive evidence in English and French.
I know the witness has offered to comment on what was said. Without knowing what was said though, we have no way of knowing whether that is appropriate. We don't know who is on those recordings. I don't know what other evidence or testimony will be submitted, apart from the letter we have received. So I think we should receive that evidence before we allow the witness to comment on it. I need the evidence and proof that it has been provided in both official languages. Then we can decide whether a public meeting is needed.
The reason we wanted to meet in camera is precisely because we don't know what's coming. Out of respect for the individuals who may have been recorded without their consent, we have to be careful. Since we are not in the majority on the committee, the opposition may in any case do what it wants. Regardless, we have to be careful initially, out of respect for those who may have been involved in all of this, whether they wanted to be or not.