National Defence committee  The chief is correct. What Bill C-66 attempts to address for the provost marshal general is about perception. Even under the current scheme, once the provost marshal is appointed by the chief of the defence staff, they can still only be removed for cause upon the recommendation of an independent inquiry committee following a public inquiry.

National Defence committee  I'm not the committee's lawyer, unfortunately. However, it's generally understood that for legal advice given to the Crown, the client in that space and the person who can make determinations as to whether or not to waive solicitor-client privilege are at least at the ministerial level and generally at the Governor in Council level.

National Defence committee  Similarly, I can't comment. The one thing I would emphasize is the important role that the MPCC plays in ensuring that Canadians and members of the Canadian Armed Forces are confident that military police are acting in a professional and independent way. Resolving those issues is important.

National Defence committee  I gather that your question concerns the relationship between the Crown and the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, right? Under constitutional law, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms allows Parliament to review this relationship. As General Simoneau said, this is set out in common law, but also in the National Defence Act.

National Defence committee  I don't think General Simoneau or I have the answer to that question either, but we'll take it on notice and make sure we get back to you.

National Defence committee  As the superintendent, my job is to ensure independent actors have the space and resources they need to carry out their roles in that space. I have not given any direction with respect to the transfer of evidence or case files. That's within the independent authority of the Canadian Forces provost marshal.

National Defence committee  I am responsible for a training package called the Code of Conduct for Canadian Forces Personnel, which sets out 11 rules in a code of conduct and an instruction package. All of that is delivered to every person before they are deployed. Those rules, I understand, continue to be issued by commanders as part of the soldier card and the rules of engagement given to Canadian Forces members.