Sure. I believe that when we have estimates coming out it is important for the minister to have the opportunity to come before the committee and for the members of the committee to be able to ask for clarification and to question the minister on these estimates. We think it's an important part of the minister's responsibility to be accountable to this committee and to the House, through our committee, and we'd like to have the opportunity to be able to put questions to the minister face to face and to hear the minister's personal explanation for the estimates. We think that's part of our accountability to our constituents and to the country.
On November 21st, 2012. See this statement in context.