Madam Chair, with the greatest of respect, we've actually spoken with individuals who would like to appear as witnesses. I think it is important that we give people an opportunity to speak to this bill.
This is a matter of changing a significant symbol of the country. I recognize that Mr. Bélanger has challenges, and I have no problem with his not appearing as a witness. I would like us to explore the possibility of providing him with some written questions that he could perhaps respond to in writing. I think that might be a reasonable way of accommodating his circumstances.
Certainly I appreciate his circumstances, but this is the national anthem that belongs to all Canadians. We all sing it. People have views on it. I think it's important that they be afforded the opportunity to appear here as witnesses, with at least some who represent a perspective of maintaining the anthem that we have had for many, many years.