Thank you, Madam Chair.
I respect the points that my colleagues are raising, but I will also respectfully disagree with them on two grounds.
One, as the clerk mentioned, a motion has been approved by the House with respect to the hybrid nature of Parliament until June 23, and we are obligated to live by that motion, which is how this Parliament is going to function until that time.
Two, I want to remind the members that we are still in a global pandemic. The pandemic is not over yet. I'm concerned about people's personal health and to what extent they feel comfortable being present here in person versus appearing in a hybrid fashion. I think, given the times we are living in, we should give due consideration to their views.
If the committee wishes, when witnesses are being invited, a line may be added to say that if they are able and feel comfortable coming in person, they will be most welcome to do so. I think we have seen of late that many ministers have been making the effort to appear in person, but requiring them by way of a motion of this committee not only contravenes the House motion but also puts us in a difficult position from a public health perspective, which we should be mindful of.