I'm just telling you, sir, that in this committee the chair has taken the position in the past—and if I overlooked it on this side, that's a fair shot.... I'm just saying that in the future I would prefer that political.... The minister will be here from time to time, and it's perfectly appropriate to ask political questions about his or her proposals to a minister, but those types of questions really shouldn't be asked of the ministry officials. As chair I have every right to say that it's inappropriate to ask those questions. You can challenge me if you wish, but that's my ruling.
On September 29th, 2011. See this statement in context.