I may be able to get on board with Mr. Beech's motion, but I need some assurances first.
To begin with, the motion calls for clause-by‑clause consideration to start on May 29. That would leave us this Thursday and the break week. Originally, we had an agreement that the various divisions of the bill would be referred to the appropriate committees, but I realize that no longer works because we are running out of time. Nevertheless, I would like us to seriously examine the bill, which packs an astronomical amount of spending into more than 500 pages.
If the Standing Committee on Finance has to carry out the review on its own, that's fine, but let's make sure we set aside a reasonable number of meetings. In order for us to support Mr. Beech's motion, we need to know that the committee is guaranteed a certain number of meetings. I think five two-hour meetings ought to do it.
I would also like us to postpone the deadline for submitting amendments, because doing our job requires that we examine the bill, listen to what witnesses have to say and take their comments into account before proposing amendments. Ideally, then, I think we should put off the May 29 start of clause by clause by a week. If that's not possible, I need assurances that we will hold five two-hour meetings with witnesses and that we will have more time to submit amendments. Currently, the proposed deadline is May 19, this Friday. I suggest we make it Friday, May 26.