Justice  Mr. Speaker, in Canada we have a rule of law. On this side, we obviously respect it a lot more than on the other side. The justice committee is doing its work. Members from both sides sit on the committee. They are working together to have witnesses appear. Witnesses are appearing and they are responding to questions.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, the justice committee is looking into this matter, as is the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner. As the former attorney general stated, the Prime Minister told her it was her decision to make. She also stated that it was appropriate to discuss job impacts.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, again, there is a committee process. The justice committee is looking into this matter. We on this side have confidence in the work of committees and the members who sit on them. We know the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner is looking into this matter. We on this side have respect and confidence in our officers of Parliament.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, the member acknowledges that he knows there are two court cases on this matter currently. We on this side respect the independence of the judicial system and we think it should do its important work. We on this side also respect the work of committees. The justice committee is actually working together.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, the former attorney general said that the Prime Minister told her that the decision was hers. The former attorney general said that it was appropriate to talk about the impact on jobs. The former attorney general confirmed that she took the decision and that she decided not to move forward.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, I have confidence in our institutions. I have confidence in the work that committees do. We have confidence in the independence of the judicial system. We have confidence in officers of Parliament. The justice committee is looking at this matter. The Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner is looking at this matter.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, that experienced member knows that we should respect committees. The Conservatives had their playbook to disrupt and destroy committees; we on this side increased resources to committees so that they could do their important work. Canadians are watching, and they noticed that the Prime Minister was able to waive solicitor-client privilege and cabinet confidence so that the former attorney general could speak.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, we have a process in place. We have committees, including the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, which has members from both sides of the House. Those members work together. They are calling witnesses, and witnesses are appearing and answering questions.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, once again we hear misrepresentation. The justice committee met in public, and Canadians were able to watch that testimony. Several witnesses appeared. Canadians should be watching. The justice committee is going to continue sitting next week, and more witnesses will be appearing and answering those questions.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, the former attorney general stated that the Prime Minister told her it was her decision to make. The former attorney general said it was appropriate to discuss job impacts. In the end, the former attorney general chose not to proceed. The law was followed every step of the way.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, the member is intentionally mixing different things up, and he can do what he pleases. That is the approach of the Conservatives. We on this side respect the work of committees. We know the director of the Public Prosecution Service confirmed that prosecutors in every case “exercise their discretion independently and free from any political or partisan consideration.”

Justice  Mr. Speaker, after having this experience, that member, who is a member of the finance committee, came into this House and addressed you, Mr. Speaker. You ruled on this matter, and you said that it is a matter members of the committee need to address and take care of. Rather than work with his colleagues and try to find a way forward, he does what Conservatives do.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has been clear since the beginning that he and his staff always acted appropriately and professionally. The members who sit on the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights are doing their job. On this side of the House, we believe that they can do this job.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, the justice committee has members on both sides who are actually working together to have witnesses appear. Witnesses are appearing and answering those questions. What is fascinating is that the member, who talks about the length of a member's service in this place, has also been here.

Justice  Mr. Speaker, it is the Prime Minister who also agreed that it is important for Canadians to be able to hear from witnesses. Members of the justice committee have worked together to have witnesses appear. It was not that long ago that the Conservatives said that the justice committee would not meet.