Thank you, Chair.
Yes, we constructed an amendment, and I'm surprised that Mr. Brison thought one was more clear than the other. There may be some differences, but they're essentially the same idea.
Upon hearing the testimony...and I would perhaps turn to officials, because we didn't hear much of any explanation on the other side in favour of this change. From what the committee heard, there was only one company affected by this change, and affected negatively. Cable laying may not be top of mind in the news every day, but it's certainly an essential thing that we all rely upon if one seeks to communicate.
I think a very compelling case was made particularly with respect to development in the Arctic and the cable laying that will be required to connect some of our more northern and remote communities. One would hope that a Canadian firm would still be around in order to bid on those projects.
I think this is perhaps an opportunity, through you, Chair, to the government officials or to the government members across the way. I don't recall them necessarily intervening much, or having a contrary opinion to the witness, the one witness that we heard.
So unless there's some compelling reason, the New Democrats will be supporting this motion providing some fairness for a homegrown company looking to be involved in the 21st century economy.