Indeed, it is extremely important to hold in-depth debates and to examine issues thoroughly. With us today are very high calibre witnesses: the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, Teamsters Canada, the Communications, Energy and Paper Workers Union of Canada and the Railway Association of Canada. These are serious, remarkable people who are also very busy. It would be more classy and respectful on our part if we waited until after this morning's meeting to have that discussion. We are not against it, because it is true that we want to have an in-depth debate and to get to the bottom of things. We want to talk about content.
Perhaps there is a certain openness to the Conservative motion, because we should finally address the necessity of having special measures for essential services, even if they already exist under the Canada Labour Code. We would study the matter in good faith, but please understand that this should not be done in front of our witnesses because we do not want to waste their time. So why don't we hold a special meeting before we begin the clause-by-clause study?
Our next meeting is on Tuesday of next week; today is Thursday. Perhaps we can have a meeting Monday afternoon. I am free Monday afternoon for a discussion on essential services and to take an in-depth look at the issue. Just look at what is currently happening in Quebec: the provincial essential services legislation is 94 pages long. Of course, we will not settle the matter in the blink of an eye with a simple amendment, but there is something we can do, because the health and public safety of Quebeckers and Canadians are very important, and we are there to make sure they are maintained. That's all.