Mr. Chairman, the schedule, to be fair to everyone, actually shows this Parliament sitting until June 22. There is speculation around the table that we're adjourning earlier than the 22nd, but as far as I know, I have committee meetings in my schedule for next week and I have other things in Ottawa for next week. I think we will be having a meeting here, one way or the other, next week.
I think it's naive to think that we ask him—we're not even summoning him—to appear on Thursday. He's going to say he's sorry, but he already told us he's out of town, out of the country, and is not coming back. It's still going to be next Tuesday, whether you want it or not, and I think, rightfully or wrongfully, we agreed on a consensus basis, not by a vote, that it would be appropriate to see the deputy minister first and then the staff members after that.
I'm comfortable coming on Tuesday; I just wanted to let you know that, and whether we're in session or not, I will be here.