Thank you.
I would think that the steering committee report itself should not take very long to pass--all we're agreeing to is to have more meetings--at which point we can discuss the substance of the motion. This is not suggesting that we're dispensing with the motion; we're merely organizing additional committees, which the steering committee brought to this committee. That's a subcommittee of all parties being represented. Past experience has shown that procedural things can sometimes take a long time in this committee. Dispensing with the steering committee report to have additional meetings so we could have a fulsome discussion on other topics that may be a bit more contentious than Bill C-18 is in order.
I concur that Bill C-18 is an important bill and should be expeditiously dealt with. However, I don't see the amendment as in any way friendly. I see it as reversing the actual intent of my motion.