Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
This is a very extreme motion. To be sure, some people have said they had health issues that made them unable or unwilling to testify before the committee. Initially it was five; now it's three.
The teacher in me would like to point out to my colleague Mr. Genuis that Mr. Firth has testified before the committee not once, but twice. He testified on November 2, 2023, as well as on October 20, 2022. In fact, he came to testify twice.
We have three witnesses who are not feeling well for various reasons. We've asked them many times to come before the committee. There are options. However, as I recall, we were not very keen on the option of holding meetings in camera. Before resorting to the nuclear option, I would consider other alternatives.
Based on what Mr. Bédard said earlier, I wonder whether we shouldn't be taking baby steps instead. We can first report to the House by raising a question of privilege. The Speaker will then make a ruling. Afterwards, we can compel the witnesses to appear before the committee. If they still refuse, we will have to make it clear to them that they have been summoned to appear, so they have no choice.
Before going nuclear, we need to take it one step at a time. I know letters have been sent. I want to see them appear too. It's not that I don't want to see them or that I want to put a lid on it. Nothing of the kind. I do want to see them, but I also don't want to potentially make a situation worse.
These people tell us they have mental health issues. Is that true or not? I haven't seen the doctor's note. The lawyers may have seen it. Anyone who has worked with people with mental health issues knows that every little thing feels like climbing a mountain. We're bringing the mountain. I would proceed with caution. Maybe I am being too careful. Maybe I am coddling them. It's possible. That's on me, but I don't want the actions that someone may take out of desperation on my conscience.
I think we should start with small steps—the ones the law clerk mentioned to us, including reporting to the House—before issuing summonses to appear.
I am not fundamentally opposed to the motion, but there are other things we could do first.