Those are my sentiments exactly, and perhaps an all too rare moment of harmony on the committee. I do agree with my colleague Mr. Grewal that we should continuously explore ways to hear from Canadians by way of innovative means, technological or other, but given the fact that there have not been extensive pre-budget consultations by this committee—and by “extensive” I mean outside of Ottawa—since 2011, I think it is well past due for this committee to do it. You underscored the legislative mandate of this committee.
I am quite sympathetic to Ms. Raitt's argument that it would be frustrating—as we on this side probably heard for a great many years—to have ministers or parliamentary secretaries say that this is a result of a consultation that they weren't exposed to. I would add my voice to those of my colleagues in saying that it would be well-nigh inexcusable for this committee not to have the opportunity to hear from Canadians on the budget, especially given the accelerated nature of our consultations last year.
With that, Mr. Chair, I would add my voice to those of Mr. Grewal and my friends across, and wish you the best.