Thank you.
I have a couple of preliminary observations. I do think that we in the past have at various times cut down the amount of time for witnesses to give opening statements, and we routinely request that witnesses provide written documents.
In this case, I'm going to disagree with the motion, with respect. I think Canadians do want to hear from her. The meeting is televised, and I think it gives her and witnesses the opportunity to speak directly to Canadians, as all witnesses do.
The other thing is that if we do meet next week or the week after, there could be other developments that occur between now and then that may affect what the minister wants to say or comment on.
I do think that out of respect for our witnesses, who do take time out of their busy lives to come and share their time with us, the minister should have the opportunity to have her 10 minutes to address the committee and Canadians, as every other witness does.
I think it is a good point that Mr. Barlow makes about providing more time for us to ask questions, but even given that, I think it's important to give our witnesses the chance to give their statement. I'm going to oppose the motion to have it tabled in writing, and allow the minister to provide her opening remarks in person if that's what she prefers to do. I suppose if she wants to table them in written form, she could, but I think that if she wants to prepare and to give her remarks verbally, I think she should have the right to do so.