Thank you, Mr. Chair.
This amendment is similar to amendment BQ‑16, but instead of the annual report, it concerns the special report.
I move that Bill C‑70, in clause 113, be amended by replacing lines 29 to 36 on page 85 with the following:
29 The Commissioner may, at any time, prepare a special report on any matter that is within the scope of their powers, duties and functions and submit it to the Speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons, who must each table the report in the House over which they preside without delay after receiving it or, if that House is not then sitting, on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after they receive it.
The intention here is for the Commissioner to report to Parliament rather than directly to the minister, so that a healthy distance can be maintained between the Commissioner and the minister.