Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
If you'll just stay with me, I beg the committee's deference for just a minute.
First of all, I do not believe that the opposition members, in particular Mr. Easter and Mr. Atamanenko, can actually endorse this. Unfortunately, there was much conversation about whether or not a farmer is qualified. I think Mr. Boshcoff has set the record straight that he believes farmers are competent and qualified to hold this position, and he's nodding his head yes.
I can quote Mr. Easter himself. He said he did not doubt your qualifications or competence.
If I can have the committee turn to page 877 of Marleau and Montpetit,
A committee has no power to revoke an appointment or nomination and may only report that they have examined the appointee or nominee and give their judgement as to whether the candidate has the qualifications and competence to perform the duties of the post to which he or she has been appointed or nominated.
This motion, if we report it back to the House, has to be along those lines. We have to be speaking directly to the candidate's qualifications or competence. It is on the blues that several members of the opposition agreed to his qualifications and competence.
So I don't see how this motion can go forward.
Thank you.