I respect the members of the government trying to protect their minister, but with all due respect, we had no answer by the officials the first day as to how this policy was developed. We then had a series of witnesses who said there was no consultation. I think it is incumbent, if we're going to do a comprehensive review of this decision, on the minister.... If it doesn't work for the minister, we will have to accept that, but for the government members to refuse to agree to invite the minister, I think, is appalling.
I would suggest that our colleagues on this committee agree that the minister be invited. Hopefully he can make it. Surely his officials could make it. I think it is important to get a better sense of how this policy was developed, because that obviously was not answered by the first panel of witnesses. At the same time, Mr. Chair, I think if we're inviting witnesses, I do believe we agreed the other day that the CEO of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation should be invited back. Unfortunately he couldn't make it the first day, and we understand that.
I really believe that it's important to invite the minister and let him make that decision, not his colleagues who sit on this committee.