Firstly, thank you for being here this afternoon, Mr. Shapiro.
I would like to apologize for the ill-mannered way in which we are treating you and all the other witnesses that have appeared, or will appear, before this committee. Unfortunately, an utterly unconscionable time restriction has been imposed on the committee and on you. That is probably why you ended your presentation by saying:
In addition to the issues I raised above, I do have comments on other areas of the act. Given the limited time available this afternoon, I cannot raise them all.
You were being very diplomatic. Other potential witnesses have refused to appear before the committee. I think that this situation is utterly inexcusable.
You said that you would be glad to provide your additional comments to the committee if it wishes to receive them. I do not know whether the committee wishes to receive them, but I certainly do. You can send them to me, along with any other information, through the clerk.
I would like to thank you for having suggested amendments. I do not have any questions for you. I simply wanted to make an observation, but you should feel free to respond to it if you wish.
The bill before us comprises 317 clauses and 250 pages. Yet, for the first time in 13 years, I find myself faced with a time restriction for studying the bill, a little like the time restriction imposed upon you for your presentation. The Conservatives have given us approximately two and a half weeks; I find this utterly mind-boggling. Other time restrictions are also being imposed, and the NDP has joined the bandwagon.