Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I will try to do this politely, but I think it needs to be raised.
I'm comparing this process with what I've done on my private member's bill and others. I have had very little communication about this bill. We've had a couple of meetings here at committee. This amendment tells me that the government is basically tanking this piece of legislation. It's essentially gutting the bill. It has such a temperance against what we need to do.
I mentioned, during Mr. Patzer's previous testimony.... I didn't even mention the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States. I've heard for a long time the fearmongering about our being against CUSMA, USMCA, or whatever you want to call it. Again, they have the Buy American Act, along with softwood lumber, dairy and buy local. I didn't even mention the 18% tariff on solar panels. They're even going against our syrup. There is a series of things going on.
At the same time, it's always said that, if we put in something a little more bold—it's at this stage in the House, right here—we are going to affect our trade relationship with the United States.
I am not going to capitulate, here. I really believe this is....
Again, I haven't had much communication. I don't know whether the member supports this or not. I don't understand why there's a significant amendment like this to a private member's bill, at the last minute. It's quite shocking.
I am going to continue to advocate for real changes. I can't support this amendment. Again, I feel this indicates—I am not trying to be rude.... The reality is that I believe the government is tanking this piece of legislation. That's just how I feel, because, when I look at how other members approach their bills, how communication was done for this one, and so forth.... When you have all of this, it reduces the bill to a motion, in my opinion.
I am not going to support the amendment.
Thank you.