Mr. Del Mastro, I really want the representatives of the Canada Council for the Arts to come and testify. I would like to meet them and get the information they have to give us. If that could enable our artists to do the tours for which funding has been cut, I wouldn't want to miss that information. I really want them to come and testify. It's not that I don't want that to be part of the report, but I think we're putting the cart before the horse. We're operating in a sequence that isn't logical.
Mr. Del Mastro, I'm asking you, in a friendly way, to change two things in your motion. The motion begins as follows: “That the Standing Committee of Canadian Heritage calls to appear, at its earliest convenience, [...]” I'm asking that we delete the words “at its earliest convenience” because we're currently conducting another study. It's not that I don't want to hear from them; I'm prepared to hold a special meeting. I'm even prepared to go and meet them with you tomorrow morning, Mr. Del Mastro. However, we have to respect the business of our committee.
Second, I've never understood the last sentence, which ends as follows: “[...] and the vote be a public one.” I'd like you to explain that to me. I entirely agree that the findings should be reported back to the House, but I don't understand why you're requesting a public vote.