Chair, I'm really concerned that we are just not spending the time necessary to get this right. When I first spoke to departmental officials, before we even started studying this bill here in committee, I assured them that we want, for those who are committing the most heinous crimes, the best possible lawful access regime that could potentially do the job that it's supposed to do, but what we don't want is to have one thing at the sacrifice of another.
As an example, we had today, in our committee time, four hours. One hour only had two rounds. There were issues of privilege, and these were brought up simply because we don't have time. We're not getting the information that we need in a timely manner, and that's not anyone's fault. It's the clock's fault.
The only fault that we can place on this is the fact that the government, to be fair, has decided that it wants to ram this legislation through and race to royal assent, as I have said several times. This is not doing the justice that this type of legislation deserves. Canadians deserve to hear everything. I said before that I could ask these witnesses the questions that I have privately, but that is not appropriate for all Canadians. They want to know the answers to these questions.
I'm specifically shocked and annoyed by words that were used by the mayor of Brampton. Although I respect him greatly, it's not dithering to properly look at legislation and take it apart piece by piece. That is our job. If we're not going to do our job, then what are we here for? Is it the job of the opposition, as well, to just sit back and say, “Yes, yes, yes”, and be yes-people?
It's just outrageous to me that we've spent such little time. Asking for eight more hours seems very congenial. It should be easy to do. If we do four-hour meetings again, that's two more four-hour meetings.
I know we're tired, but this is our job. If we don't get this right, then we could be causing lots of problems going forward, and I fear that we already are. We've seen news reports. Anyone who has reached out to my office has said, “Yes, we understand the need for lawful access, but my concerns are regarding my privacy and my safety.”
I implore everyone on this committee to take this motion seriously. It is made in good faith. I want to do my job, and I want to do my job effectively. I hope that everyone on this committee wants to do their job effectively to properly scrutinize this bill and to get it right. That's truly all we're asking for.
With that, I will leave it. The only possible thing I would like to mention is the idea of amendments being due before we finish hearing testimony. I don't understand that at all, and I don't think it's just because I'm a one-year, new parliamentarian.