Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has spoken most eloquently about the need for transparency
and openness. He has also spoken often in the House of Commons about the word "economy". In the case of this motion the two purposes are in conflict.
I say this with respect to the hon. member's amendment. This motion seems to perpetuate the requirement that the minister lay before Parliament an annual report on the operations of the act.
The rationale for eliminating annual reports is government-wide. It is an attempt to lower costs and is focused on reducing associated preparation costs. We intend to provide new mechanisms such as expanded Part III estimates, and most important, new department outlet documents will be provided to parliamentary committees for this review.
In this case the argument for economy is a very cogent one. There are other means through which transparency and openness will be provided.