I would simply echo that sentiment completely. I think that our committee should make a strong statement from all the members of the committee that it is unacceptable, except in the case of an emergency, that officials do not appear when adequate notice has been given.
Parliament is paramount, and that should be understood by our officials. I don't believe this is a partisan issue. I think that we should be very clear in expressing that concern, and it should go to both the minister and the deputy minister as something that is not acceptable and should not happen.
There may be an emergency that I don't know about. I mean, I heard about this when I walked into the room, and I'm the parliamentary secretary. It is unacceptable, and I don't think it's acceptable for anyone on the committee. I think you would take that with unanimity, I would propose, from the other members of the committee as well.