Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I'll be waiting with great anticipation for Mr. Fortin's response, as he seems to want to finally correct his motion. Should he even wish to consult with me in advance, he can always reach me by email. I would be happy to work with him to come up with a truly consensus-based motion. We could always move in that direction. I urge him to do that.
I'd like to continue my critique of this motion.
Last Monday, I didn't want to repeat myself when I talked about the importance of ministerial solidarity, when a minister speaks for the government. Whether it is the Prime Minister, who is primus inter pares, or one of his ministers, everyone speaks for the government. That is a basic principle.
Ministerial accountability ensures that when a minister's agent or deputy takes action, the minister is responsible for those actions and is going to be accountable for the behaviour of those under their responsibility. It's an important message, and one that we should consider and pass on to our colleagues. It's very important to emphasize these principles. It's quite important that I say it's the reason why I can't support the motion.
However, if my colleague wants to respond to my invitation, my email inbox is open. I look forward to receiving good news from my hon. colleague that we will be able to work in this manner.
I believe that I will come to my conclusion. It's not because we're approaching 3 o'clock, but because I'd like to hear from my colleague Mr. Fortin as well as my other colleagues, particularly those in the opposition parties, to see if we can find a way to come to, not a split vote or a 50% plus one majority, but rather a motion that has solid support from the committee to continue its important work.
So I will yield the floor. I also thank all my colleagues for allowing me to speak.