Madam Chair, I know it's not easy to juggle all the witness appearance dates, but the witnesses must certainly follow the news like we do. It's important to remember that we're acting in good faith. If we weren't so far along in the parliamentary calendar, we probably wouldn't be pushing so hard. Unfortunately, it's not February. We're really ready to get the information.
I'd like to ask the people watching us how they feel about us being able to ask questions on the 65‑page report tabled, so that we can ensure we have a healthy democracy and we're safe. As parliamentarians, we all want to keep the worst from happening. Given that parliamentary business is drawing to a close and we have only a few meetings left before the summer, I wonder why we would wait 14 days. I know it's complicated in terms of logistics, but at some point, we have no choice but to deal with urgent matters. I'm sure people understand that, and I'm sure they too would prefer that the witnesses appear after Mr. Johnston's three-hour appearance, because we'll be able to get some answers based on the questions we will have asked him.
I'm ready to vote. I still haven't been told why we absolutely need to wait 14 days just because June 6 has already been chosen. We know very well that, once the work has been done, it's time to disclose the results. So now that Mr. Johnston has completed his task and released his report, he should expect to receive a call fairly quickly. If I'm given a good argument that proves we're acting in good faith and that explains the basic reason why we have to extend this deadline until June 6 at the latest, I may accept it.
I would remind the House that we've reached the culmination of everything we've experienced these past few weeks. I truly don't feel uncomfortable calling someone who has worked for weeks on a report with a May 23 deadline. In my opinion, Mr. Johnston was expecting to be called very quickly to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. I feel this is a very important committee, and I hope all of my colleagues feel the same way.
I will close by saying that I'm convinced that the witnesses, who may be watching us, clearly understand that we might need to juggle the appearance dates again.
I'm ready to vote, but I see that others still want to speak.