I think for next Thursday, perhaps we should just go with what was proposed, as we have it. I think that the governor's been very patient with us. I think we've cancelled a couple of times, and perhaps we could already schedule the governor for next Thursday.
Is it possible, Mr. Chair, that the subcommittee, which usually deals with the agenda, set the agenda for whatever the pre-budget consultations...whether we go with option one, option two, the alternative option...? Today I just want to provide a framework that would allow us to get going. It isn't just about the alternatives; it's also about the release of the documents so that everyone can start looking at them and working on them as well.
I don't know, and maybe, Mr. Chair, you might be able to help out on this. To Mr. Julian's point, I wonder if we could say, just to keep everything open, because instead of the committee requesting permission from the House to table this report on pre-budget consultations, we could just put “the committee table its report on Pre-Budget consultations no later than the week of February 1”. That means we don't have to ask anybody; it basically says that would be the latest. It allows for the most flexible, timely motion on our side; it allows for the alternative of Mr. Julian's on the other side; it allows for the release of the evidence and the documentation in terms of pre-budget documentation, as well as the COVID-19 consultations and best ideas to come forward. It allows the subcommittee to actually meet; it allows us to actually move forward and invite the governor for next Thursday, and it allows for a subcommittee meeting to battle it out as to when the Deputy Prime Minister comes in and speaks to this committee, and for how long. I don't mind meeting for seven hours on pre-budget consultations and hearing from our Deputy Prime Minister.
I do want to note, though, that she was already before the committee of the whole for four hours, I believe, last week, so I know that she's been front and centre and trying to be accountable and present and making sure that she is responding to questions that are brought forward by all members of the House.
Thank you.