Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Don't worry; I will not be long.
My colleague spent quite a few minutes discussing a member of Parliament's right to freedom of speech. We have been talking about democracy for several hours now, with respect to parliamentary rules, and I have to say that I am disappointed with the way we were treated in the first hour of this Committee meeting.
I raised my hand several times. The Chairman heard me but never recognized me. I have been sitting on this Committee for a year and a half now. I have never abused my right to speak. I have always shown great respect for the Chairman performing those duties.
That is why I want to take this opportunity to say that I am very disappointed at what occurred. It is no different from Bill C-2 which we are examining today. It concerns a free trade agreement between Columbia and Canada which does not have unanimous support and is highly controversial. It is very much like what we are witnessing today. It is unfortunate, because I believe we are part of a great democracy; today, however, we were not given a great example of Canadian democracy.
Thank you.