I want to talk briefly about what analysts do for committees, especially since we have a couple of new MPs here.
We have given you a very fancy binder. We have it in English and French. I think we distributed it according to your first language, but you can come to me if you want another version. That's just to give you an idea of what we do. In the binder, we've listed the products and services for parliamentary committees.
Briefly, what we do for every meeting when we have witnesses for a study is to make a briefing note. Briefing notes provide context for the study, with maybe a brief description of the witnesses and suggested questions. All of the briefing notes are sent 24 hours in advance in both official languages. Everybody receives these at the same time. We also write the draft reports, which are also sent a couple of days in advance. What's very important is that everything we do is based on facts. Reports are based on evidence—solely. We are non-partisan, which is the most important thing to remember.
If the committee requests it, we can give you a list of potential witnesses. We also write plans for reports or a plan for a study if time allows, which it often doesn't. Also, as a lot of you know, for your own office, we also answer requests. Many of you have already used our services. That service for you is for your office only; it is confidential. If you ever have a request about transportation or infrastructure, you can always come to see us, either by calling us or sending an email. I've left you with my personal business card and the library's card. If it's for a request about anything other than transportation—health, immigration or anything—you have the library's generic number and email, which you can always send.
Next, we prepare publications. I put a few examples in the binder. First, we have what we call Hill notes. They are short publications. I went to the trouble of including one I did about the Hyperloop project. All publications have to have a connection to Parliament. We also put out lengthy publications, such as the one on self-driving vehicles. We prepare legislative summaries of bills, as well. Whenever we release a publication, a copy is sent to you. Publications are available to the public, but they will also be available in the digital binder.
In addition, we prepare research papers. They aren't public, but they are sent to all committee members. We recently put together one on the aircraft certification process. If it's not already in the digital binder, it will be soon. All committee members have access to those documents. There are already quite a few, with more coming in the days ahead. As for reports, we'll talk about those when the time comes.
If you have any questions for us, you can drop by or give us a call. We are always available.
