I have just a few things.
Again, on the issue of bringing up what this committee did in the last Parliament, it isn't because I'm asserting that what we did in the 43rd Parliament means that's what we have to do now. I've pointed that out in response to those who have said, somewhat erroneously, that committees don't adopt a system whereby each party is entitled to submit an equal number of witnesses.
I just brought up the example where this very committee did that the entire last Parliament, so I'm offering that as an example of where it is done. By the way, I have said this before: There are other committees in Parliament that do that as well. In fairness, I think it's true that the majority of committees probably distribute witnesses in proportion to their seats in the House of Commons, but not all do. The other thing I would point out, of course, is that committees are the master of our own process. We can do whatever we want.
I am disappointed in this. I can't help but point out the complete logical fallacy of at least two Conservative members expressing frustration at the fact that we're taking time at this and they really want to just get on with doing the people's business, while at the same time threatening to continue to filibuster unless they get their way. For any Canadians watching this, I think they can easily see through that.
Look, we're in a minority Parliament. Minority parliaments require co-operation between the parties to get things done. In this case here, I don't think it's asking very much for us to say, “Look, this is the health committee.” I've said this before: One of the reasons I very much enjoy the health committee is that generally the issues are non-partisan. We are all working for the health of Canadians. That's what everybody says.
I would venture to say that it is really the Conservatives bringing partisan interests in, because what they really want is 40% of the witnesses and are unwilling, it appears, to provide each party with the opportunity to have the same number of witnesses.
Mr. Lake asks what I expect him to say to his constituents, and I would say whatever he said in 2020. I'd have to go back and check the vote, but I'm pretty sure he voted in favour of the motion that provided equality of witnesses to this health committee then. If he didn't, I apologize to him, but I'm pretty sure he did, because the Conservatives supported that. So this is not—