Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Well, this brings back memories of what happened last fall with the fall economic statement. My view on this is that we're still debating this in the House. There are speakers up all week—and they'll be up next week—on this legislation. It seems to be premature to be studying it in committee. We don't do that for any other legislation.
I am also concerned about the wording of the motion. Last time, the motion essentially prohibited us from asking broader questions about the budget itself. We had officials here who would not answer questions if they weren't specifically addressed in the BIA. There are also things in the budget that might not be addressed in the BIA but which we should be able to deal with if we have a prestudy, or any study of the budget implementation act. My preference would be to see the wording of the motion broadened to allow us to ask officials anything we want, as long as it pertains to the budget and the BIA.
Also, it seems to me that the finance minister needs to be here more often. We're dealing with some very serious issues around affordability and taxation, and concerns about going into an economic slowdown and perhaps a recession. We can't get the finance minister to come to the finance committee. That has to be a priority. I would urge my colleagues on the government side of this table to try to make that happen as soon as possible, so we can get her testimony on the record about serious problems this budget fails to address.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.