Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I'm going to support the motion. I think it would be valuable for the committee to have the minister present and to make a presentation to the committee, and of course the committee members would be able to ask him questions. It should be made clear to him that this is not the only time we would like him to appear before the committee, and we can adjust the amendment accordingly. I wouldn't want the minister to think that this is the only time he will be able to find time in his very busy schedule to come before the committee.
Subsequent to that, as the committee gets under way with the work we will have planned, I assume some of that work will go before the minister, but we can request his attendance at this meeting. If he is unable to accommodate us, I think it would be very unfortunate. Then I fear the work of the committee would be severely limited in that regard.
We could ensure in that communication to the minister—and perhaps this is a friendly amendment to the motion—that we clearly outline that this is the opening opportunity for the minister to offer his comments, but that it not be considered the only time when it would be important for the minister to appear before this committee. I think it's very important that we state that clearly as well.