Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would have to say I think there is a lot of goodwill in this committee, and there's a wholehearted agreement on the intent of this bill, which is, certainly as put forward by the government, to increase voter turnout.
This bill was referred to us after second reading; however, I would say we have heard from all the faith communities, almost universally, that they didn't see this as a very workable solution and a very good idea. We also heard from the Chief Electoral Officer that this is in essence duplicating election day. So I would say that eliminating that duplication of election day is by no means meant to subvert the intent of this bill. We had exactly the same motion. As a matter of fact, we've brought forward other motions we think really add to the robustness of trying to get greater voter participation.
I think this is true to the intent as expressed by the government, which is greater voter participation, and certainly we shouldn't ask witnesses to take the time and trouble to come here, listen to their testimony, and yet not have that reflected in the bill, which I think is appropriate.
That is why I feel it is in order, because I think there are other ways we can increase voter turnout.