I appreciate the explanation that Monsieur Lapointe gave, but I believe the amendment the Bloc is suggesting does not preclude the scenario that has been suggested by Monsieur Lapointe. Ergo, if individuals who are at a point in their career--they're academics who can only take a leave of absence for a certain period of time--are approached and are interested, they would simply say they do not wish an appointment that is longer than three years, two years, or whatever. The Bloc amendment simply allows that the maximum allowable time would be seven years, in accordance with the appointments of other parliamentary officers, but does not preclude the appointment for a lesser period.
On June 13th, 2006. See this statement in context.