Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Obviously, I sincerely apologize. The witnesses were here for an hour. They were able to make their presentation, but we weren't able to ask them questions. It will be done by email, but I'm very sorry this is happening.
As agreed, I support the motion, which the committee unanimously supports. Hoping to save time so we could ask the witnesses some questions, I didn't intervene. As they've now been dismissed, I'll speak to the proposed amendment.
I don't think it's the committee's role to condemn the comments of one of its members. The strength of a democracy lies in freedom of speech, the freedom to express opinions not everyone agrees on. Everyone brings their own perspective to the debate.
Mr. Bardeesy talked about his experience. He's been an MP and committee member for a year. I've been an MP for a little over 10 years. In a partisan way, we're here to represent our constituents and the values of our party. I could often condemn the things I hear in the House and in committee.
I understand there are levels where this is concerned, but I don't think it's the committee's role to condemn the comments of one of its members. I think democracy requires freedom of speech, freedom to express one's opinion, which is not always unanimous. For that reason, I will not be supporting this amendment.