With all due respect, Chair, I don't have to make my comments short. I do have to remain relevant, which I am, because I am saying that in regard to the amendment that is on the table right now, I cannot support it, because we have been asked to submit our amendments before we hear from all of the witnesses, and that is inappropriate.
It is inappropriate to require the members of this table to submit their amendments and changes to this bill before we have heard from all the witnesses. We should have the opportunity to hear from all those who wish to speak to this bill and share their various concerns with us in order to gain an understanding of what they see in this bill—both the pros and the cons, the areas that are strong and the areas that are weak, the areas that can stay as they are and the areas where perhaps changes are needed.
If this committee is not willing to hear from all those witnesses concerning this bill before we have to put forward amendments, that is just inappropriate. Really, what this committee is saying, then, is that the voices of individuals who come here after the amendments are due are null and void, because we've already made or suggested any changes we want to make. That's inappropriate. Procedurally, that is just inappropriate.
For crying out loud, this is the Parliament of Canada. This is a place where we create legislation. This is a place where we are putting pieces of legislation in place, bills in place, that govern the people of Canada. If we can't do that in the most appropriate manner possible, then shame on us. Asking for our amendments before we've properly heard from witnesses is 100% inappropriate. It is incredibly irresponsible of those at this table.
I applaud the Bloc member for seeing this and voting in favour of the subamendment that was previously discussed. Those extra 24 hours seemed appropriate, but here we are: We're back discussing a better amendment, in the sense that it proposes three meetings to hear from witnesses. I appreciate that because we'll hear from more voices, and I believe the Bloc member is correct that this is very important, but again, this amendment requires that the amendments to the bill be submitted before we hear from all those who would wish to testify.
