I find it ironic that the members of the opposition would want to shut down discussion on this subject after months of accusing this party of having done just that. I think I can understand why. The last couple of days have not gone the way the opposition had hoped. The results of the questioning have not borne the fruit that was expected by the opposition. We had numerous revelations that were particularly unflattering to their case.
For one, we have learned that the Chief Electoral Officer was so concerned about the widespread public view that there had been a leak from his organization that he conducted a review. That review was conducted by him and by his senior staff of himself and his senior staff. He presented five factors that he claims led him to his decision. But then he has been unable to point to a single piece of legislative wording to support any of those factors being relevant in determining how expenses are allotted. Questions he has not been able to answer he has claimed are unanswerable because they're before the courts, even though this entire affair is before the courts. And by that logic, we would not be able to discuss any of it here.
The farther this goes, the stronger our case becomes, and that explains why some members of the opposition, at least, wish to shut this down early. But in the spirit of compromise, I would be willing to put forward an amendment that we entertain eight more rounds, Mr. Chair. I therefore amend Mr. Martin's motion to permit eight more rounds of questioning.
Thank you.