If members want to proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, we will of course pass a motion to that effect. We're ready to do the clause-by-clause study, but we know full well that we won't have heard the necessary testimony.
The usual practice for all House of Commons committees is to receive evidence and use that to inform amendments. The chair has confirmed that no date has yet been set to proceed with clause-by-clause consideration and submit our Bill C‑27 amendments or clauses. When the committee decides to proceed with clause-by-clause consideration, the amendments will be moved. I'm sure the Conservatives will have comments to make and amendments to propose. They've said as much. Mr. Masse, for one, said he was ready to put amendments forward, too. I'm sure the Bloc Québécois will also have amendments to propose to Bill C‑27. It's standard practice for a committee to set a date for submitting amendments.
I don't see what's going on here, other than not wanting to hear from Mr. Dufresne. What's happening here is not contempt of Parliament. It's perfectly normal for a minister to say he's open to amendments and prepared to accept them. Regardless of which parties put them forward, we'll debate them once the committee has decided on a date.
That's all I wanted to say. I'm not a regular member of this committee, but I sit on other committees and I know how things work.