Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I agree with what my colleagues have said, and I would like to move a minor amendment that I think reflects the views expressed by other colleagues.
I want to just suggest a small amendment, which I think captures the concern that's been expressed. It would simply be--I intend it as a friendly amendment--to replace the word “decision”, because it currently reads: “concerning the decision to close up to 19 additional consulates”. Replace the word “decision” with three words, “status of the proposal” to close, because it does appear as though there is some question about whether in fact a decision has been reached to close 19 consulates. But it seems quite clear that such a proposal has been made. It's very much causing a great deal of concern to members of this committee and to a great many Canadians and to people in areas where the closures of such consulates would have very major consequences.
I think the other point is that, exactly as suggested by several other people, we want to have an opportunity to have some input before a decision is finalized.
For both those reasons, I would really urge all members to support that very small change and hopefully to accept it as a friendly amendment.