Mr. Speaker, I listened to my colleague's opinion on lobbying and I realize that lobbying is a legitimate activity. Parties with interests at stake have the right to heighten the awareness of others to them. What is not right is carrying on these representations secretly, furtively, which can in no way serve the public interest.
My colleague mentioned in his speech that the legislative branch, the House of Commons, has a role to play. And I, as an MP-this needs to be said-often get the feeling that outside influences, especially from high finance, force a decision to go a certain way, and they leave no trace leading to the truth or even to information which would shed some light on what is being hidden behind the masks and the empty gestures.
For two weeks, several questions have been asked in this House regarding who is responsible for the satellite broadcasting issue, and, overall, the issue is extremely clouded.
Therefore, we do not want to prohibit lobbying but to make it transparent so that the House can really protect the public's interests.
I would like my honourable colleague to respond to the comments I have just made.