For the new members, my name is Peter Julian. I am the NDP industry critic, and I am here as a substitute, so you will see me from time to time. My riding is Burnaby—New Westminster.
I'm interested in Mr. Wallace's proposal.
But you're absolutely right, Mr. Chair, that the tradition is, particularly at the government operations committee, that the opposition parties begin, and that's something that's gone back, whether it's been minority governments or majority governments, over the last few decades. That's just an overall tradition that is an important parliamentary democratic tradition, which of course Canadians want to see maintained.
As far as the time allocation goes, I think Mr. Wallace is on the right track in terms of the proportionality.
The problem is, though, as you raised, Mr. Chair, that traditionally there's been a longer first round. I think that's what the clerk has suggested as well, particularly when we get into interesting hot issues. That first round is going to be an important one. I think that's something that needs to be brought in. The proposal was, I believe, eight minutes potentially for the first round.