Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
First of all, I would like to point out something I noticed at the outset. I very politely signalled to the clerk that I wanted to speak, but four or five people spoke before I did. I would like to know whether these proceedings will favour those who move more quickly, or those who tell the clerk they wish to speak. I don't know whether you noticed, but at the beginning of my comments, I very politely asked the clerk to put my name on the list. Yet a number of other members took the floor before me. I would like to see this committee maintain decorum in its proceedings from the very start.
I would like to say that we would prefer to stay with three members. You know that meetings with witnesses are essential. I would not like to see a situation where, for one reason or another, whether it be deliberate or not, the committee is unable to hear witnesses. In many cases, the witnesses travel and it took a lot of work to prepare for the meetings. Out of respect for our witnesses, I would say that three members are enough.
I would also like to make the following comment: since our party leaders have given us the responsibility of sitting on this committee, our primary duty is to be present at the meetings. And if we are present, we need never worry about dealing with a reduced quorum. That is what I hope will happen.
The only difference I would suggest is that there should be three committee members present, including one member of the opposition.