Bill S-222 provides the inspector general in the course of an investigation with powers such as one to summon and enforce the appearance of individuals and compel oral and written evidence under oath and to produce documents the inspector general considers necessary to the investigation; two, the inspector general may administer oath.

In most Member States which have a legal basis for inquiry committees there is also the possibility for them to summon witnesses to give evidence.

(13) However, in order to ensure that a committee of inquiry can be certain that its conclusions are based on elements which have evidential value, it should also have the right to summon any person who is resident in the European Union, including officials and other servants of the Union's institutions or of Member States, as a witness who should be obliged to answer questions willingly, fully and truthfully; moreover, in order to ensure that officials and other servants of the Union are able to comply with this obligation, it should be made clear that they are deemed to be authorised pursuant to Articles 17 and 19 of the Staff Regulat ...[+++]ions of officials of the European Union, laid down in Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 259/68, and Article 11 of the Conditions of employment of other servants of the European Union, laid down in the same Regulation, to obey the summons by the committee, to attend for examination as a witness and to submit statements and give evidence in person.

Witnesses shall be informed in advance of their rights and obligations and of the possible consequences of groundless refusal to obey the summons and attend for examination, of false testimony and of the bribing of witnesses.

One of these was that the tribunal should have full power to subpoena witnesses and documents, together with all the powers usually exercised by a commissioner in a public enquiry.

A party so requesting should always have the right to appear and be heard or have a witness appear and be heard before the court or tribunal.