I could probably speak to what I need to speak to through the amendment as well.
While I appreciate the comments made by my friend opposite, I will be speaking against this proposed amendment. I think the urgency of this particular legislation is there. Certainly the businesses and the people who are currently without support due to the expiration of particular benefits are counting on us to do this in an expedited manner.
Given what the clerk has just advised us that there are two meetings available on Tuesday, one meeting available on Wednesday, two on Thursday and one on Friday, and citing point (a) from the motion as proposed—that we are willing to have extended meetings—that is the equivalent of more than three weeks of review, although compressed to the time period of a week.
With regard to a question from my colleague on the other side with regard to witnesses, witnesses are determined by this committee, but I can certainly share that I think two witnesses are more than appropriate. Personally, I would be happy to support that, but it's up to the committee.
With regard to the minister of heritage, I do not have access to the schedule of the minister of heritage, but I can check with the Minister of Finance, of course, with regard to the availability of the Minister of Finance. I would suggest, through my previous work on other committees, that there is actually a sincere argument for having departmental officials come in first and for having everyone get on the same page with the witnesses coming in before the minister is here so that committee members can refer to witness testimony and have that opportunity with the minister. If the minister is here right up front, that ability doesn't exist.
I've found that approach quite useful in previous committee interventions in terms of finding ways to improve the bill. I know now for certain that the minister is available on Thursday. I would have to check availability for any other times before that.
Colleagues, I think we have the ability, since we have several sophisticated members around this table, to get through this legislation in the time that we've outlined. I would urge you to vote against this amendment and support the motion as it stands.