I have a point of order, Mr. Chairman.
I would ask your opinion, Mr. Chairman, but I believe that what we have just witnessed constitutes a lack of respect for Parliament. For a member to say that the Speaker of the House of Commons is just another witness is tantamount to insulting this institution. I also want to point out that I am not being partisan, I did not table this document.
In addition — and again I would ask your opinion, Mr. Chairman — I do not consider the law clerk and the Speaker of the House of Commons to be witnesses like, for example, and this is not a slight, a professor from the University of Manitoba who would have to be given 48 hours notice before appearing before the committee. They are officers of Parliament and, as such, I believe they are entitled to a minimum of respect.