Well, I thank my colleague for that correction, because that certainly shows the benefit of having other information brought forward. It certainly does speak to what I was trying to say here, that we're no further ahead today than where we were the other day when we discussed this motion. We're no further forward in that sense. Even, Mr. Chair, if we go back to the situation with the Speaker bringing forward an issue that he declares is of great importance, and he has directed this committee to look at that...I certainly take the Speaker at his word, and I think that issue is more urgent. Certainly, we're being overshadowed here, Mr. Chair. I think somebody is moving in on us.
I think that certainly takes precedence. I truly believe that. I think this issue is something that can be dealt with in the other forums.
You saw some discussion taking place today around the table, Mr. Chair, although I know it was outside of what was on the record. I guess that goes to show, to make the point I was trying to make earlier, that things do happen rather quickly when we're faced with a deadline. Things happen rather quickly when we need to make a decision, and I do appreciate that, Mr. Chair.
However, having said all that, I really do believe that this committee should take the time on this issue, and I haven't said at any point in time that I would not be in favour of the original motion. I haven't said that. I've never said that I wouldn't support the original motion. I've only asked what I think is reasonable. I've asked for more information. I've asked for a better understanding, and going forward, Mr. Chair, I think it's reasonable that we all ask that, as members of Parliament sitting around this table. I think it's reasonable as a committee, when we present a report to the House, that it is clearly understood and it is clearly studied. I don't think the House of Commons would expect any less of us.
Having said all that, I do appreciate the time to make this intervention here this morning, Mr. Chair, and once again, it's still up in the air for me with respect to this because.... Perhaps it's my cynical side that keeps coming back, that I keep looking at, but I am still perplexed at how the opposition members can cry foul about our filibuster when they spent over 25 minutes in this hour holding this motion on the floor today, Mr. Chair.
I don't know if you have the same powers as the Speaker, Mr. Chair. If you could see the clock at one o'clock, I think you'd probably be doing quite a service to the committee, because I really don't think we are going to finish debating this issue today. I certainly understand that there is a lot of work taking place behind the scenes, and I hope we'll see that come to effect.