I know that these speaking times have been discussed. However, I would like to point out to the committee that, in the last Parliament, the NDP was a recognized party and it had the same speaking time as the Bloc Québécois does now. I would have expected at least more speaking time for the Bloc Québécois, given that the second and third opposition parties shared 12 minutes, followed by two‑and‑a‑half‑minute rounds. I now have the same speaking time as in the last Parliament, without the NDP even taking the floor.
I just want to tell my colleagues that I would like some flexibility in this area. After the first six‑minute turn, a two‑and‑a‑half‑minute turn isn't much.
I would also like to point out that the NDP had only about 20 members in the last Parliament. I had the same speaking time as the committee member representing this party, even though my party had 32 members.
I just wanted to raise this issue. I don't necessarily want to turn it into a debate. However, I'm calling for the committee members to show flexibility so that we can come to an arrangement on this matter.
Remember that, when we launched our study on breast implants as high‑risk medical devices, there was so much flexibility that the Conservative Party gave me all the speaking time at its disposal, both in the first and subsequent rounds. This just goes to show all the co‑operation involved.
I wanted to start by making it clear to the committee members that I expect flexibility so that we can make the most of our speaking time when we hear from witnesses.