I will certainly similize.
Mr. Chair, we strongly oppose this motion. This is another attempt originating in the Prime Minister's Office. I certainly don't think my colleagues on the other side have any backing on something as odious as this. This is coming out of the Prime Minister's Office, the notion of absolute control. It's frustrating them that the few independents we have actually have a right in the House to stand up and make amendments at report stage.
I certainly agree with you, Mr. Chair, and I think you will find that this is completely out of order. I would invite my independent colleagues to get an independent opinion from the law clerk on whether or not their privileges as members are being undermined by not having the right to be heard here. I think this is a breach of the privileges of the members of this House. They are not allowed standing and their rights are being taken away. I certainly will be trying to get a legal opinion from the law clerk on the legality of what is being done here. Of course, the issue of legality is something that hasn't bothered the Prime Minister's Office of late, as we've seen.
Let's continue on with the problem with this motion. The proposed motion that will be voted on here without the representation of the independent members of Parliament would result in a significant change in the way the House operates. It would also undermine the rights of specific members of Parliament. O'Brien and Bosc make it clear that:
It is the House, and the House alone, that appoints the members and associate members of its committees, as well as the Members who represent it on joint committees.
The Speaker has ruled that this is a fundamental right of the House.