Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
You quoted David Lloyd George, Mr. Hunter. He said, "Don't be afraid to take the big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps." However, I would say that we do have to cross the chasm. We have to take the time to study the situation.
The minister, showing great good will, wanted to rush things, but he seems to have come to understand that the idea of reviewing the matter thoroughly was not so bad. This is what he said on February 9, 2007:
I would be very pleased to appear before INDU to discuss telecommunications with committee members. Since my schedule is very busy, I think February 19, 2007 would be the first date when I would be available.
So he seems to find the idea acceptable. He must respond by April 6. So we will try to give him some advice.
Later he said:
I am counting on the committee to make an important contribution to the discussions about these issues and to understanding them.
That even includes the issue of foreign ownership. Telephone service is one issue, but the entire strategic framework we have requires a more in-depth study.
That said, I would like to know whether you would be prepared to recommend any amendments to the minister's current directive. We need to determine whether we could take into account the comments we hear by consumer groups, for example, so that we feel we have adequate protection. The Commissioner of Competition referred to oil and gas. But the Conservatives do not seem to find this a very reliable model. Before we get into an operation of this type, they want to make sure there are adequate safeguards in place.
What do you think about this?