Thank you.
I read the motion—given the letter received today from Tom Clark—but I believe the witnesses are here today to have the discussion around the purchase of the residence that is inhabited by Mr. Clark. We are, in fact, here today to find out more information about Mr. Clark's input into the process of purchasing this residence. I believe it's very relevant.
I will now read it in French.
Que compte tenu de la lettre reçue aujourd'hui de Tom Clark, le Comité entend Tom Clark pendant deux heures et n'entreprend aucune autre affaire ce 7e jour de novembre 2024 jusqu'à ce que Tom Clark se soit adressé au Comité.
It is a debatable “matter at hand” motion, it would seem, so I do believe it is acceptable to submit at this time, Mr. Chair. As I said, I have sent it forward.
Again, I apologize to our witnesses, but this was the intention of this committee. It was stated on the notice of meeting. For it to be changed at the last minute, frankly, is not fair to the witnesses either. I feel they were brought here disingenuously, when everyone on the committee knew that the intent was for us to debate this motion.
Maybe it was the goodwill of the government, and they thought, “Oh, we will pass this quickly.” Actually, no, I can't even say that because it was brought forward to adjourn debate and move to them. They had the opportunity to pass this motion before moving on to the witnesses, but that didn't happen.
As I said, I'm moving this motion. I guess I don't have too much more to say about this, except that it's unfortunate this situation is happening, but here we are, and here I am talking about this.
As well, I will say this is very embarrassing for me, in front of my former colleague, and those who may be my future colleagues. That's a possibility. I would love that. You never know, right? We take a leave of absence sometimes, and sometimes we have the opportunity to return. That would be great. It was a very satisfying half career that I had, and I would love the opportunity to find myself perhaps as vice-consul in Lagos, or some other such place. We have fascinating opportunities. Maybe there wouldn't be as many earthquakes as there were in San Salvador, but it could be a good time nevertheless, Mr. Chair.