To reiterate the comments of my colleagues, I understand and appreciate the initiative that has been taken by the liaison committee in this regard, trying to look at taking out an extra step or something.
However, I think there is a valid reason to have that step in there as a safeguard. Sometimes there is miscommunication. I think I'm quick to apologize when that emanates from me or my staff with my whip colleagues from the three opposition parties.
But sometimes there is miscommunication, and I think having that extra step, having to come to the House, although it might appear to be relatively inconvenient and perhaps even silly, does provide another safeguard, so everybody is aware of what's going on and where their members are. If it weren't there and there was a bit of miscommunication, either between the whips or within one of the whip's offices, and on a given day when there happened to be an unscheduled vote, and we weren't aware that members were not within a half-hour of the Hill, you'd be wondering where these people were.
I think it makes sense to leave it the way it is. I haven't heard any great complaints about it from my members, and as I said, while I appreciate the initiative the liaison committee has shown in this regard, I don't think it's necessary.