Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I don't disagree with the facts. The testimony the committee heard from Mr. Doan, Mr. MacDonald and Mr. Utano was contradictory. We've heard a number of contradictory statements that may very well warrant clarification. Some claim that they're being scapegoated, and others who appear before the committee will probably say the same thing. They can pass the buck until the cows come home. That's a possibility. If memory serves me correctly, Mr. Doan said he had a health issue having to do with an anxiety attack, a panic attack or something like that. I may be wrong. I could be completely mistaken about that. I may be out in left field. Who knows?

I want to stress the importance of seeing the big picture, getting explanations and asking whether we'll be able to get to the bottom of the situation. Bear in mind that we are neither judge nor jury. Our goal is to ensure that, if there was some sort of wrongdoing, it doesn't happen again. Our goal is to make sure that the processes are strengthened, so that public servants can do their jobs solely with the public interest in mind, not their own. I'm not referring to all 340,000 public servants, only if the shoe fits.

My fear is and remains crossing a line that we mustn't cross. We must set the example for everyone. We mustn't cross a line that verges on bullying or harassment. Never. We must lead by example. The public is looking at us. If we cross that line, people will think it's okay for them to do the same. It will lead to a situation we all find appalling, a situation none of us wants. That is my fear.

Mr. Doan may stay on sick leave. He has 27 sick days banked, and after, he could take unpaid leave or claim sickness benefits through employment insurance. That's a possibility. If that happens, will we compel a sick person to appear before the committee? Will we again use our exceptional power to order a witness to appear at the bar of the House? If we routinely use that power, what makes it exceptional? There is nothing exceptional about imposing the same consequence 15,000 times. This would be three times in two years. That's not exactly exceptional.

Those are my thoughts, the things I'm wondering about, the questions that must be considered.

Of course, I want answers and clarifications, but I don't want to be labelled a bully. I want to make that clear.

Julie Vignola

$553,964.00