First of all, I don't recall when an electronic version of the minister's remarks has been released contemporaneously with a written version of remarks. Even when Madame Folco was the chair, that never happened. It doesn't happen with respect to any witnesses, and perhaps for good reason.
And to suggest that it should be at least an hour prior to the meeting.... Perhaps the member would want to amend that to say, “and some questions and answers be prepared for the member as well”, which he might ask the minister. It's just not done.
I don't think it would be wise for this committee to consider having an electronic version or any version distributed an hour or so in advance. All witnesses give their evidence as they speak, and if they provide a written statement at that point, that seems to be reasonable. But to suggest it be done any time in advance would be inappropriate, and certainly for that reason I couldn't support it.
I haven't seen it done and I don't think it's good practice, for a variety of reasons, including the fact that members would then obviously use the statements for whatever purpose they deem appropriate, which may not necessarily be acceptable to the person releasing the statement. I'm sure others who are here.... I know Mr. Casson has been a chair, and I think he'll vouch for the fact that it has just not been done, ever.