To be sure, that's another compromise. Make no mistake.
I realize we're not going to get the end result we want. Obviously, we will never have the documents that we are supposed to have in French and that our colleagues have in English.
However, we have to move forward and get the job done. That said, I am still disappointed by the lack of consideration given to bilingualism. Bilingualism is wonderful insofar as it doesn't cost anything and it isn't a problem. However, if we have to start working to maintain bilingualism or spend money on it, then it's a problem. I find that disappointing. I'm sure I surprised no-one by saying it.
That said, being of a practical nature, I understand that, in any case, the motion will be passed as it stands with May 21 as the date. We'll see what we can do on May 21. I am committed to working in good faith to try to move our study forward. That's my commitment. However, I have doubts about my ability to do so in a fulsome and comprehensive manner, because there will clearly still be evidence missing. We'll cross the bridge when we get there.
Madam Chair, I had my hand up because you asked what we could do in the meantime.
In the meantime, I think we should submit a brief interim report to both chambers, since our work has been suspended since May or June 2023. We should indicate in this report that work was suspended last spring on a certain date, on the grounds that we were waiting for the documents to be translated and that, even if we still have not received the translations, we will resume using the documents we do have.
I don't think we need to produce a 20‑page report, just a short four or five‑liner. We should give the Senate and the House of Commons some sort of confirmation and heads up as to what is happening.