I understand. I understand that clearly, with the number of witnesses proposed by the committee, for everybody to make, especially since we have two people representing one riding.... But I had indicated to the members that if everything is fine, we'll have the questions. And then I'm offering them time at the end, if they want to, to add anything, any matter, that they have not addressed.
It is simply a matter of using our time efficiently. We've already wasted a half-hour on political stunts. I want to move forward. The witnesses will have an opportunity to answer the questions. The witnesses have been sworn in, and each of our witnesses will be offered an opportunity to say anything further.
As you know, you are covered by parliamentary privilege. Nothing you say here can be held against you in any other proceeding. This is the place where free speech must take place. This is Parliament.
I want to proceed now. We're going to have witnesses respond to questions. Mr. Proulx will start, and we'll be doing a rotation in our normal fashion.
Mr. Proulx, please, your questions.