Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would like as many committee members as possible to be in attendance when witnesses appear. This should be the case on a regular basis. It is simply a matter of respect. At the same time, I do understand the quorum formula and I agree with the first part of Mike's amendment. I simply wanted to make an amendment to include at least one member from the opposition. I do not have a twisted mind whatsoever; quite the opposite, I am showing openness. I think that the quorum should include a member from the government and a member from the opposition.
We do operate in a rather collegial, open and cooperative way, but we are also engaged in politics. Unfortunately, that can sometimes catch up with us. In some cases, that is what happened over the past few months. I pointed this out to committee members and the atmosphere at committee did improve somewhat. Accordingly, I agree to a reduced quorum, where the government and the opposition are represented, in order to avoid unpleasant situations. The formula which would increase quorum from three to four members is, in my opinion, imperative or essential.
I am prepared to support the amendment suggested by Mr. Allen, but I do not believe that we necessarily have to increase the quorum. Thank you.