Thank you so much, Mr. Chair.
I just want to mention that when I saw this motion come in I was super disappointed. Four meetings of the finance committee at three hours each during the summer to discuss a program where there's been zero evidence of the spending of any money.... In fact, I don't think there's been any money spent on the program, as it was just announced. If there was some admin stuff, I think that money has already been sent back. I mentioned when we talked about the previous motion that we have a highly qualified Ethics Commissioner who is looking into the actual decision around the Canada student service contract. I have no doubt that he will be very thorough in his investigation.
My understanding also is that the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates has also allocated four committee meetings to studying this as well. I just wonder, given everything that we have to look at and all our priorities, is this the best way to spend finance committee time?
There are major economic sectors that need our attention, such as the oil and gas sector. You have HR technology and resources leading the sector, and there is the issue of how we can develop while we're reducing emissions and moving to some sort of low-carbon future. How do we start the just transition process?
We have the arts and culture, tourism and hospitality sectors, where the rug has been pulled from under them. How can they be supported during this time and beyond?
These are the areas that I really believe need to be the focus of our finance committee. I will not be supporting this motion and am very disappointed that we wouldn't have some other options to be looking into at this moment.