Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Minister, there is just one problem: in working with the review panel, you have treated it as though it is the board of directors of a company, when you are in fact a minister of a government. Furthermore, announcing the policy direction and the consultations on December 14, during the holiday period, left the impression that the whole thing was a sham and not particularly serious.
Fortunately, comments by consumers and small Internet service suppliers led to Committee's current round of hearings. The Committee passed a motion, and is holding hearings; as a result, the consultations that did not occur are taking place now, and I am very pleased about that. In fact, the testimony we have heard thus far clearly shows that there was much to be said. And we still have many witnesses to hear from.
Today, you talked about a competition test. But I have a test for you: are you prepared to change your policy direction based on the feedback we receive? I will give you a couple of examples, although I'm not asking for a definite answer today: for example, including a sunset clause that would limit the period of time during which the policy direction would apply; also, small cable companies and Internet service providers made it clear to us that they haven't had an opportunity to take advantage of what the CRTC had provided for, which was up to 25 per cent. Because of your policy direction, they automatically became subject to competition overnight and they may well disappear from the market entirely in very short order. The report also recommended that there be an ombudsman, to keep an eye on things.
So, are you in fact prepared to amend your policy direction, so that if we quickly submit comments on this, you will be able to make an enlightened government decision that reflects the Committee's views, and we will be able to carry out our future work on all deregulation, knowing that you may listen to what we have to say?