Yes.
The motion proposes measures to protect the confidentiality of required documents, including that the documents be available for viewing only in the clerk's office, for one day only. While such measures are not mandatory, they are a legitimate exercise of the committee's power and they can help to address confidentiality concerns.
So everything has already been established. The motion is clear, and action has been taken. I am not the one saying this, this is a law clerk in the House of Commons.
I would now like to direct your attention to some figures.
The prices of the vaccines were set through a confidential agreement with several countries, and they were set to avoid competition between the different players. They were chosen according to the price that countries were willing to pay. For the same vaccines, pharmaceutical companies charged different prices to different countries. For example, Europeans paid $14.50 per dose while Americans paid $19.50. It is therefore to the advantage of these companies that the deals remain confidential.
Will the members opposite, members of the government, put the interests of the drug companies ahead of those of Canadians and Quebeckers, who have a right to access information? They have a right to know whether or not these deals were done fairly.
It's really important for everyone to think about their role as MPs. Why were we elected? You represent 120,000 people, and they have a right to know. I don't know if MPs have talked to a few citizens in their constituencies about this, but I'm sure citizens agree that parliamentarians should have the right to see these kinds of business deals.
If the government has nothing to hide, it will agree to disclose the information contained in these agreements, in line with good transparency and accountability practices.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.