I'm sorry, Chair, may I just raise a point of order?
With due respect to our witnesses, we're in the process of studying Growing Forward 2 and consumer demand. I know the committee in the past has had difficulty sometimes with having witnesses stick to the subject matter, so within the framework of Growing Forward 2.... We had the same problem at the last meeting, which Jean raised. It's easy for the committee to get off topic.
I think it's very important for witnesses to focus their remarks. That's why we're paying to have them come here in front of committee. That's why they're getting time in front of committee. We're trying to write a report that's going to deal with Growing Forward 2—the next iteration, of course, of the Growing Forward plan that's in place right now. There have been a number of witnesses who have their own message to deliver to committee. That's fine. I'm just not convinced that this is the right venue or the right time.
I just want to raise that. I've allowed the witnesses to make their presentations, but I don't feel it's a good use of the committee's time when we're trying to focus on a particular report. I think there is always latitude during discussion whereby MPs might want to explore different aspects, perhaps, with a witness who is in front of committee, but when they are coming to give their presentation I think it's important that they remain focused on what the committee is trying to accomplish, because we're the ones who launched the study in the first place.
Thank you, Chair.