Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I don't think that an important decision such as this one calling for a vote of confidence in a committee Chair should be taken lightly.
Mr. Chairman, I myself had to request the resignation of the Chairman of the Official Languages Committee when he made the decision to change the committee's agenda without the approval of the members of that committee.
I've been sitting in Parliament for 10 and a half years now. I have great respect for the institution. We can hold our debates, but I have great respect for the institution and democracy. This Parliament enables us, democratically, to hold debates for the Canadian people. That's why I say it isn't easy to make decisions such as this one among colleagues. Democracy must definitely take precedence over everything else.
In my vision of things, and according to the Standing Orders, the elected Chairman must be impartial and ensure the proper operation of the committee. Based on my years of experience in Parliament, I can say that, if someone decides to filibuster, you have to prepare not to have the time to go to the bathroom.
Before coming to this decision, which I support...
Certain things have occurred. I don't want to talk in detail about what my Bloc colleague Michel Guimond has said, because I think it has been well presented. You used the excuse that the analyst needed to go to the bathroom, for example, to give the person who is filibustering a chance to go as well. There isn't only one analyst in the House of Commons; another can come and replace him. If the clerk needs—