Monsieur Ménard, you may recall that some time ago the clerk sent out a request for witnesses on Bill C-268, as well as a couple of other bills we've been dealing with. Everyone at this committee table had an opportunity to present witnesses, and I think the understanding at this table was that we would hear witnesses on this bill.
Joy Smith, as the sponsor of this bill, is entitled to appear. You may recall that when I presented my private member's Bill C-277 a couple of years ago, I also had a representative of the Department of Justice here as a resource. That's why Ms. Levman is here. We also had a request to appear as a witness from Ms. Watts, representing REAL Women. We sent out a request for witnesses, so I don't believe it's inappropriate to hear witnesses on a bill that's very important to Canadians.