I just wanted to pick up on one point that was made by Senator Champagne, because we did discuss it privately, in camera, in the past, and that is this whole issue of it being the responsibility of the whips and the House leaders--not that I want to abdicate that responsibility. I know, working with the other whips, that we have tried to impress upon our caucus the need for improved decorum. I did make the point at that time, and I would ask for a quick comment, that really it comes down to self-discipline on the part of every one of the members of Parliament, regardless of party, and peer pressure from those around them as well. In a large caucus, in particular, the whip can only hear and see what is going on in the immediate vicinity, and it makes it pretty difficult to ride herd on somebody who is quite a ways down and might be making comments that you're not aware of. I just put that out there.
On November 21st, 2006. See this statement in context.