We can talk about process and about the subamendment. We are being asked as a committee to set aside the regular process that we typically follow with legislation and do the government a favour by allowing a prestudy. That's what the motion's about and that's what this subamendment is about.
The point that some of us are making on this side is that if the government would like a favour from the committee, it should be willing to compromise on a few points. It seemed like we were making some progress for a brief period of time, but not enough to avoid the situation we're currently in.
If the government would like a favour, it should be prepared to compromise. I think it's completely on the same point to outline what that compromise is, but maybe the government doesn't want Canadians to know the compromise that it's not willing to accept. That's okay.
We can do this until the bill gets referred to the committee and go along with the regular process. It seems like that's the path we're on now, but if the government's looking to fast-track the legislation, it's not accomplishing its goal. It could easily accomplish the goal. We have a reasonable deal to get this done.
Again, the government is expecting this committee to set aside the way it generally deals with legislation to advance its legislative agenda. That's fair enough, but if it's asking for a favour, it should be prepared to do one in return. I think it's completely reasonable.
I will likely have more to say afterward, but I appreciate the opportunity to start this meeting. I would probably recommend that at some point during the meeting, we allow members to convene for a moment to see if there's any movement. If not, that's okay, but we should at least provide the opportunity for the parliamentary secretary and others to get together. Unfortunately, they didn't have a subcommittee meeting this week.
I appreciate the interventions on my colleague's point, but I think it drives this bigger issue home, which is that we're debating a motion in which the government is asking us to set aside the typical protocol. On that basis, we're asking for something in return, or a couple of things or even something small. If you don't like the compromise, come up with another solution, but if you say you're not going to compromise on anything, I guess we could stay here for a while.
Maybe I'll return and Zoom in, so that I can be comfortable at home.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.