Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I am always happy to hear from Mr. Ste-Marie, and it appears that he's been quite effective at convincing the government that there should be more time made available for Canadians and for witnesses. I understand the merit to that argument, so I will thank Ms. Desrochers and Mr. Ste-Marie for their contributions on this front.
I will simply say that we are quite happy to support the subamendment. We think that any extension of time would probably facilitate a better process. However, I would also make the point, Mr. Chair, that facilitating a longer process means it takes a little less wind out of the sails for the government to say that the ministers can be made available only at a certain time. If we're going to be giving more time for Canadians to weigh in, I think this certainly allows for the ministers to appear.
I'll make a quick reference, Mr. Chair, to the fact that a minister doesn't need to come on the very first day. There's a lot of flexibility. To my understanding, ministers do show up in Ottawa. They are here. To slice out an hour of time, I would be willing to wake up a little earlier or stay up a bit later.
I am very happy that the Bloc member offered the hand of friendship to the Liberals and that the Liberals have taken it. I hope the Liberals can do the same on the issue of ministers' coming to the committee.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.