Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Milton for his speech on behalf of his government and for sharing his personal experience.
Today's debate comes after more than two and a half years of parliamentary work. This issue was examined by two standing committees, namely the status of women committee and the Canadian heritage committee. More than 100 witnesses came to testify and answer members' questions. The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage made more than 21 recommendations in an almost 200-page report. What did the witnesses say?
Everyone, even the Canadian Olympic Committee and Own the Podium, says that we need an independent public inquiry. The victims are unanimous in demanding an independent public inquiry.
Why does the voluntary commission not work? It is because it does not sufficiently protect victims. That is a problem. Our parliamentary institutions allowed this. Why did we not implement real mechanisms to protect victims? The numbers do not lie. It will be a flop. The media is not talking about it. Why? It is because there is no mechanism to protect victims.
Why was there not an independent public inquiry in the first place?