Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm happy to hear you indicate that. It's frankly impossible for us to approve a work plan that does not indicate the witnesses who will be present, considering that all parties have not had an opportunity to submit their witness lists. Certainly, while we are in agreement with the meeting distribution as discussed in both the subcommittee and here today, we couldn't possibly confirm the witness outlay considering, as I've said, that we have yet to submit our witness lists. We need an opportunity to submit witness lists for this study.
I'll also take this time, Mr. Chair, to note, certainly with the threat of the COVID-19 virus, that there exists the very real possibility that we may not return to the House the week after next. Of utmost priority for us would be to have the ministers come before the committee. I think we also need to consider that, with the timing of the meeting scheduling and the witnesses, this external situation could apply to the House and therefore to our committee. We need to consider that for the planning of the meetings, because it is our expectation that, should we not sit on the 24th and 26th, the ministers will be scheduled at the next possible instance for their appearance before this committee. That could affect the work plan as well.
While we are, I think, supportive of the outlay for the meetings, as we have indicated several times through our approval of the subcommittee report, we have to consider the scheduling of the ministers as well as who the witnesses will be and their scheduling.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.