Thank you.
The Prime Minister goes on to say, “If we want Canadians to trust their government, we need a government that trusts Canadians. It is important that we acknowledge mistakes when we make them.” I look forward to the Prime Minister's apology. He continues: “Canadians do not expect us to be perfect—they expect us to be honest, open, and sincere in our efforts to serve the public interest.” Indeed they do, don't they?
His letter continues:
Our platform guides our government. Over the course of our four-year mandate, I expect us to deliver on our commitments. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we fulfill our promises, while living within our fiscal plan. Other issues will arise or will be brought to our attention by Canadians, stakeholders, and the public service. It is my expectation that you will engage constructively and thoughtfully and add priorities to your agenda when appropriate.
He also says, “As Minister, you will be held accountable”—there's that word again—“for our commitment to bring a different style of leadership to government.” What a vision. He said that this will include “close collaboration with your colleagues” and “meaningful engagement with Opposition Members of Parliament”. That's a key phrase there, because right now, today, the motion that is on the table is asking the minister to come here to this committee, where she can engage with members of her party, the Liberal Party of Canada, as well as members of the opposition from the New Democratic Party and the Conservative Party of Canada.
It would seem, then, to fit within the mandate letter written by the Prime Minister. These are his own words that I am giving today. I know you guys want to shut me down, but these are his words. You actually want me to stop reading the Prime Minister's words, because it would appear they make you uncomfortable.
Nevertheless, in addition to encouraging the minister to allow the opposition members to hold her accountable and, let's say, invite her to a committee like this, he goes on to say this:
Canadians expect us, in our work, to reflect the values we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, hard work, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. We will be a government that governs for all Canadians....
Madam Chair, I would ask for a point of order here. On the opposite side, members are chatting and I have the mike. If you wouldn't mind just bringing this to order, I will continue reading the mandate letter.