Mr. Chair, I thank my colleague for the motion. I see there's going to be a second one—at least we think there will be—asking the officials to come to update us on a variety of things.
With respect to this motion with respect to the minister, clearly in my view it's not fair to pass a motion on a Tuesday—if we pass this as is—asking her to come on a Thursday, if it's the only way to get it before November 28. My suggestion would be, given my understanding that there is no firm date yet—I could be wrong—for the supply motion and the end of the supply period, that we'd likely have a little longer than November 28, and a week from now would probably be all right as well, based on my information, so.... How we would do this, I'm not quite sure. I would be prepared, I think, to amend the motion to ask the minister and officials to come a week from now to talk about the supplementary (B)s and other issues, including the list of issues that are in the second motion.
Now, I have to say, just to be up front, knowing the minister's schedule, I wouldn't be confident that she will be able to come even between now and the Christmas break. I think it looks difficult, but obviously I'm fairly confident that the officials would be able to come, and perhaps she will. I can't speak for her. I just know that it's very busy between now and then.
I'm not sure what Mr. Chisholm would think of that direction, but I have some wording, Mr. Chair, if you would like this amendment put at this point. Or would you perhaps like a little more discussion?