It was not until late in 1997 that the issue of the MAI was opened up to a small Parliamentary Standing Committee and then for only one month. The issue of who or what constitutes government in Canada, and what that government has directed re the MAI was not clearly answered due to claims of privilege. The issue of who directs the negotiations, makes decision about the negotiations, is not clear due to claims of privilege. The overriding impression I received is that Parliament is not in control and will not be. How much Cabinet is in control is a complete mystery but possibly even most of that body is kept in ignorance.
Officials run the show.
Minister- is alive and well and too true. I came away struck by the enormity and extent of the power and the arrogance we are confronting and attacking. Images of David And Goliath, of Christians and Lions swam in front of me. We expect to be able to look to our government to protect us and our rights. After the cross examination it is very clear that the legal challenge is the right and necessary approach and probably our only real remedy.