We don't want to mislead the people who are waiting for this national strategy and who are right to want it as soon as possible. I repeat, however, that the main issue is to ensure that the Senate doesn't drag its feet when it comes to examining this bill. We don't seem to have any control over the Senate. The Senate doesn't give priority to bills originating from MPs.
In addition, there is another problem. As Mr. Ellis pointed out, the House is not considering any bills at the moment. How long will this last?
Fortunately, if prorogation occurs, the bill won't necessarily die on the Order Paper. However, if an election is called, Bill C‑277 will no longer exist. People need to know that. That's the real deadline, in my opinion. We need to tell people so they don't get the wrong idea.
Right now my Conservative friends are telling my Liberal friends that the reason the government is proposing this amendment is because they don't want to move forward in 12 months. That has nothing to do with it. The real deadline is a possible election call. If we have an election and there's a change of government, it will be some time before the machinery starts up again, work resumes in the House and such a bill is reintroduced. That's what will happen, unless the Senate fast-tracks the bill. However, that would surprise me enormously.
In fact, is there anyone who can tell us if the Senate is waiting for the bill and is willing to fast-track it before we call an election? If so, I'll join my colleagues. In fact, I'm almost tempted to join them just to show that it won't happen. However, I don't want to mislead the public or the people who are waiting for this strategy.
That's my point. I think it's fair to say so. I, too, am in contact with the Quebec government.
Right now, the possibility of an election changes things completely. By the way, I'd like to remind my Liberal friends that October 29 is Tuesday.
That's what I have to say to you.