Mr. Speaker, there is an aspect of the issue which concerns me somewhat. Several members expressed concern regarding the cost of such an inquiry, and whether a royal commission is the way to go. Perhaps we could have another type of inquiry. The important thing is to have an instrument, a commission which will have the power to find out the truth. When it comes to deciding between a material interest related to the quick construction of an airport terminal and the common interest, we should not even hesitate if we want the public to trust institutions such as ours: we must favour the common interest and ensure that the public is protected.
If we have to wait a further six months before a third terminal can be built at Pearson, then so be it. During this time, the taxpaying citizens will know that their tax dollars are being used wisely. Moreover, if the government party's conscience is clear with regard to the former government's transactions and if the current government believes that it is not acting in a similar fashion, then it should have nothing to fear from a commission of inquiry. It would have no reason to fear that a commission would uncover some deals in which it may have been involved itself.
A transparent government like the one the Liberal Party likes to boast about should not have any concerns about inquiries conducted by a royal commission. It should not be afraid of answering questions put to it. Yet, the government continues to object to this request. Taxpayers may very well begin to question this government's sincerity. They may start asking themselves why the Liberals are trying so hard to avoid appearing before a commissioner of inquiry. When someone's hands are clean, there is no need to fear the truth, or investigators. There is no reason to fear disclosing someone else's past activities because they may be associated with ours.
I think that the comments made were sincere, but this should not be the end of it. We must ensure that the truth comes to light, that the public is informed of it, and above all, that with respect to other projects-it could be Hibernia or maybe the helicopter contract, another cancelled deal-the same questions will not come up again. When questions do arise and when the public interest is at issue, there should be no reason to fear asking the questions openly.