On a point of order, Mr. Chair, I think I missed something to start with.
I have no objection that Mr. Benoit, as a member of Parliament, be in front of this committee to plead his appeal, if I can put it that way. But would you please refer me to where in the Standing Orders it says that he can have independent witnesses with him to plead his case?
My understanding--and correct me if I'm wrong, sir--is that a member of Parliament can come and testify in front of a committee and debate his rights. But from that to bringing one or two witnesses...and it doesn't matter how many; it could only be one.
I just don't recall seeing that in the Standing Orders.