Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc accused Conservative MPs on Thursday of theatrics as they pressured the government to release the names of MPs alleged to be involved in foreign interference.

The Intelligence Oversight Committee reported this week that some parliamentarians intentionally assisted foreign states in efforts to interfere in Canadian politics.

The blunt report raised concerns that the members intentionally involved in interference may still be active in politics, and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre called on the Liberal government on Wednesday to reveal their names.

Members of the Conservative Party on the Public Safety and National Security Committee challenged LeBlanc on Thursday over the government's refusal to reveal their identities.

Conservative MP Frank Caputo asked, "Do you think Canadians have the right to know, yes or no?"

LeBlanc told the committee that intelligence reports might contain unverified information and do not present the complete picture.

He added, "A certain part of the puzzle, an intelligence source or information, may lack context, and its credibility may be distorted or changed by later information, so the idea of having a complete list of names, which can be fully relied upon and should be made public, is simply an irresponsible idea."

LeBlanc said it is up to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to investigate and lay charges if necessary, as that is how things are done in a rule of law democracy, adding that there is a "certain misleading element" in Caputo's theatrics.

The exchanges occurred while committee members were meeting to hear from LeBlanc and other witnesses regarding a comprehensive government bill to counter foreign interference.

The bill introduced in the House of Commons early last month includes a variety of measures to deter, investigate, and penalize foreign interference.

It would introduce new criminal offenses against deceptive or secretive actions, allow for broader sharing of sensitive information, and establish a foreign influence transparency register.

The committee says members must submit proposed amendments to the bill by Friday afternoon in anticipation of reviewing each item early next week.

In a letter sent Thursday to the committee, 14 civil society organizations expressed their "deep concerns" that MPs are wrapping up hearings on the bill after just about a week.

The organizations warned that the unusually swift parliamentary study of the bill could lead to flawed legislation that violates human rights.

The letter stated that a rushed process to draft a bill of this scope would undermine the ability to conduct a thorough and meaningful review, threatening the adoption of laws that violate rights and freedoms protected by the Charter.

It was signed by the Canadian section of Amnesty International, the Canadian Association of University Teachers, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the Canadian Council of Muslim Public Affairs, the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, the Association for Rights and Freedoms, among others.

The letter stated, "We recognize the importance of addressing harassment, threats, and violence against individuals, including when perpetrated by foreign governments to suppress the exercise of fundamental rights or participation in democratic processes."

"However, the changes proposed by this legislation go far beyond that. If adopted, this bill will bring about sweeping changes to Canada's national security, intelligence, and criminal justice systems, in addition to establishing a massive foreign influence registry, albeit uncertain."

The letter added that as a result, the bill will have significant implications for people's lives and basic rights in Canada, including risks of increased surveillance, diminished privacy, and restrictions on freedom of expression and association.

"The result is that organizations and individuals who would have requested to appear or would have provided written submissions will not be able to do so in such short timelines. Putting specific amendments forward to propose by the Friday deadline is almost impossible."