Mr. Chairman, I reject the premise of this loaded and inaccurate question.
I don't write the Standing Orders that outline the manner in which private members legislation is considered by the houses of Parliament or by standing committees. I was invited to come and appear before the committee and provide the government's perspective on the bill, which I've done. I have outlined various areas in which we think the bill can be improved, and I'm being very transparent about that.
If the member objects to the introduction of the bill, he should take that up with its sponsor, Mr. Shory, who is with us. This is not a government bill; it's a private member's bill, and we've made a good faith effort to suggest ways in which it could be improved.
Mr. Lamoureux should know that when members frame a private member's bill they don't have the benefit of drawing on the enormous policy expertise that exists in departments. Often, when departments review bills, they see lacunae, or unintended consequences, that could be addressed through amendments, and that's precisely what I'm doing through my presence here today.