Good afternoon.
I agree with the member. I, too, am new to the committee, and I must say how surprised I continue to be at the lack of co-operation that seems to prevail. We are talking about things that are happening here and now. If we put this off another five months, it will be too late.
At some point, we have to know when to make allowances. This isn't a partisan issue. We are talking about a situation that is unfolding as we speak. The U.S. withdrew from the deal; this is a discussion we have to have. What is the point of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food if its members always remain silent to the detriment of the constituents they are supposed to stand up for? What purpose do we serve if we can't give ourselves the latitude to have this discussion?
I'm not used to this. I am accustomed to the high level of co-operation on the Standing Committee on Official Languages. As members, we are occasionally confronted with issues we would prefer not to deal with, on both sides of the House, but we do it anyways because we have to rise above partisanship.
This is not about partisanship, but every time we put forward a motion, as government members, you dig in your heels. To be perfectly frank, I must say I find it unsavoury.