Justice  Mr. Speaker, as we know, clearly members of the justice committee have been studying this issue for over five weeks. We know that they have asked for witnesses to appear to ensure that Canadians can hear from those witnesses, including the former attorney general. We waived solicitor-client privilege as well as cabinet confidence.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, it is important that Canadians know that when it comes to our parliamentary committees, they actually work independently of this place. There are members of Parliament from all parties who sit on committees, including the justice committee. When we had witnesses appearing, we saw that members of other parties were also able to present themselves and ask questions of the witnesses.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, we know that the members of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights did their job. They studied this issue for five weeks. We know that the Office of the Ethics Commissioner is also looking into the matter. We know that this work will be done in several ways.

Justice  No, Mr. Speaker.

Justice  No, Mr. Speaker.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, we have committees in which parliamentarians and members of Parliament sit. The justice committee is the committee the member refers to. It is doing its important work, and we believe it should be able to. It was this Prime Minister—

Justice  Mr. Speaker, what is always quite interesting is that when I get up to answer, the Conservatives do not let me speak. It is fascinating how they want people to be able to speak when it seems to be for political gain. That is not how we operate on this side of the chamber. We have confidence in the justice committee.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, I know the Conservatives have never let the facts get in the way, but it is important that Canadians be reminded of them. It was actually the Prime Minister and this government that waived solicitor-client privilege and waived cabinet confidence so the former attorney general could appear.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, if that member were more concerned about actually seeing what is taking place at committee instead of worrying about sign-outs, maybe he would see that the committee has actually been doing its important work. It has been studying this matter for over five weeks. There has been a series of witnesses who have appeared.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, I think it is important that that member recognize that when it comes to the rule of law in Canada, it is intact, and it is being followed. We also know that in Canada, we have institutions and officers of Parliament who are able to do their work. We know that the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner is looking into this matter.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, I know that the Conservative Party cannot understand that when it comes to members who sit on committees, they are capable of making their own decisions. Members who sit on the justice committee know that this file has been with the justice committee for five weeks, and they have been able to hear from all perspectives.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, the members of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights took the time to hear from witnesses who came to answer questions. We know that the members of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights have been studying this matter for five weeks now. The Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner is also looking into this matter.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, exactly as that member has asked, I would like to reassure Canadians and international partners that the rule of law is intact in Canada. I would like to reassure Canadians that they can have trust and faith in our democratic institutions. It is the justice committee that is doing its important work, and it continues to do so.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, I will try this again. There are members of Parliament from both sides who sit on committees. When it comes to our members, they make their decisions, and they know how to proceed. What they do know is that members have been appearing. It was actually this Prime Minister and this government that waived solicitor-client privilege as well as cabinet confidence to ensure that the former attorney general and minister of justice could appear at committee and share what she needed to share.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, again, we have confidence in the work members of Parliament who sit on the justice committee will do. We know that they are capable of it. We know that the Prime Minister has taken responsibility for the breakdown in trust and communication within his office. We know that he has committed to finding a better way forward, because that is exactly what it is.