Madam Chair and colleagues, the premise of Mr. Gerretsen's statement—whether written by him or someone else, but read by him—is that we and all Canadians should just accept what the PMO says was the reason for the prorogation.
Furthermore, it has been stated that through Standing Order 32(7), we will be getting the request to study why prorogation took place. Once the document is tabled, the motion would allow us to question the ministers efficiently and with advance preparation. We'll be able, as a committee, to be masters of our own destiny, as a committee should be. We should be able to prepare for this document and this information coming towards us.
I will go back and challenge my colleagues on this. It was brought up by my Conservative colleagues here—and at times we seem to forget this in the House—that 338 members of Parliament were elected to be the voices of Canadians, to challenge where necessary and to support when necessary as well. Parliament was silenced for six weeks. It was supposed to be a reset. What we saw when we came back was that it wasn't a reset; it was stalling. I will challenge my other colleagues here to remember that in 2015 the member for Papineau and the Liberal Party said, in their platform, that they would not resort to parliamentary tricks such as prorogation or omnibus bills. Now we're seeing prorogation take place, at the height of a pandemic. For what reason?
My colleague Mr. Gerretsen talks about the safety and health of Canadians and the workers he's concerned about. What about the members of my riding of Cariboo—Prince George and the electors who, to this day, are still not eligible for any emergency funding? What about those whose benefits were running out within a week? What about those who are still waiting to receive any emergency funding? What about the businesses?
Madam Chair, this motion is in order, despite what our colleague says. I hope you will see.... Yes, it is large, but so is the responsibility of this committee. I think it was you, Madam Chair, who mentioned that we really are the committee of all parliamentary committees. What we do sets a precedent for other committees. It is important for all of us to set that example for other committees. We've seen Liberal-run committees shut down this study in the past.
Madam Chair, I challenge you. If this is a reset, let's reset. Let's be better. Let's move forward for Canadians. Canadians honestly want to know what this prorogation was about. The motion that we put forth is in-depth, yes, 100%, but Canadians deserve to know the full truth as we move forward. It's not a witch hunt. It could very well end up being that everything the government is telling us is true. Madam Chair, if we don't do the investigative work ourselves and truly be masters of our own destiny, at arm's length from the government, then everything this committee does moving forward will be tainted.
I challenge my colleagues who are on this committee to see it that way.
Madam Chair, you have a weight on your shoulders that you have to rule in favour. Canadians and the media are watching this committee to see how you move forward. I challenge all of us to be better on this.
With that, I'll cede the floor.