Mr. Chair, before we get going, I want to dispense with a motion relating to the business at hand, but before I do, I want to seek clarification from you and the clerk. I'll raise a couple of sentences here from page 980 of Bosc and Gagnon, where this is stated:
Standing committees often need the collaboration, expertise and knowledge of a variety of individuals to assist them in their studies and investigations. Usually these persons appear willingly before committees when invited to do so. But situations may arise where an individual does not agree to appear and give evidence. If the committee considers that this evidence is essential to its study, it has the power to summon such a person to appear.
I have a question for you and the clerk. Does this committee have the power to summon witnesses, or merely to request?