Thank you, Mr. Chair.
This amendment is very long but relatively simple. A comment was made very often during our study of the bill. As you know, the Canada Border Services Agency can receive complaints about the conduct of certain agencies or departments. However, Global Affairs Canada is not covered by the complaint mechanism, which is a very serious omission. This is a very important element, especially when it comes to consular services. We know, as it was shown in Maher Arar's case, that the sharing of information done by that department can lead to violations of Canadians' human rights, especially abroad. This amendment would enable the agency to receive complaints related to Global Affairs Canada's conduct.
The second point concerns the Canada Border Services Agency. As you also know, an opportunity to create an organization that would oversee the agency's activities was missed under this bill. That organization still does not exist. The minister showed openness, but we are anxious to see something concrete. In addition, it would be appropriate for the oversight organization, in a context of national security, to be able to receive the complaints related to the Border Services Agency's conduct in the meantime.
In closing, I would say that this amendment really just adds to the complaints provisions in the legislation. It's nothing earth-shattering but it ensures that we have a robust process for all agencies and ministries that might be involved in different situations that can become problematic with regard to Canadians' rights.