Thank you for the opportunity to speak for a first time to something others have spoken to a couple of times.
Let me propose something. I believe we all agree with the principle of equality of members. I agree generally with Mr. Cardin's words, so I'd like to suggest what I think would be a better model to achieve what he has proposed.
The fault in what he has proposed is that it allows a second opportunity for both the Bloc and NDP members to enter into the discussion before it allows a Liberal or a Conservative member to speak for the first time. I think it would make more sense to go with the proposal we have spoken about. I would like to suggest in response to his concerns that if we go with the first round as was suggested—Liberal, Bloc, NDP, Conservative—and then the second round as Liberal, Bloc, Conservative, that gives both Bloc members an early opportunity to participate ahead of most other members of the Liberal and Conservative parties. If we were to subsequently go Liberal, Conservative, Liberal, Conservative, that allows every committee member to speak once. Then—and here is my proposal—rather than return to the original order, go Bloc and NDP. Provided there are 70 minutes, that would allow a disproportionate participation by both the Bloc and NDP, which is out of proportion to their membership in the House. If we don't have 70 minutes, I agree it does not, but if we do have that length of time, it does.