Justice Committee on Oct. 27th, 2011

[Steve Sullivan]

Yes, and you've asked me a question. You've asked me a question and I'd like to follow up.

[Stephen Woodworth, Conservative, Kitchener Centre, ON]

I've asked you how you didn't hear the same voices that I was hearing—

[Steve Sullivan]

If you want names of victims who will come to you and tell you something different—

[Stephen Woodworth, Conservative, Kitchener Centre, ON]

—and you've now told me that you did hear them.

[Steve Sullivan]

—I will give you names.

[Stephen Woodworth, Conservative, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Mr. Chair, I don't want to speak over the witness. On a point of order, the witness has answered my question. He's giving me information that he give someone else, if they want it, but I'd like to continue with my examination.

[The Chair, Conservative, Dave MacKenzie]

Carry on.

[Stephen Woodworth, Conservative, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Thank you very much.

And just for the record, I wish to be clear that we've now clarified that this witness does hear the same voices that I hear calling for proportionate sentencing for offences.

[Irwin Cotler, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

On a point of order, I think that's a mischaracterization of the witness's testimony.

You did not permit him to answer the question that you took some three minutes to ask, and I think we have to show respect for witnesses before this committee.

[Stephen Woodworth, Conservative, Kitchener Centre, ON]

I agree, but my question was to challenge him on the statement that he did not hear the victims' voices.

[Irwin Cotler, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

I'd allow the witness to answer the question, sir.

[The Chair, Conservative, Dave MacKenzie]

With all due respect, Mr. Cotler, I think we do have limited time, and if a witness takes up the time of a questioner—

[Irwin Cotler, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

The witness wasn't taking up the time. The questioner took up the time, and then wouldn't let the witness answer. And, frankly, either we're going to conduct—

[Stephen Woodworth, Conservative, Kitchener Centre, ON]

The witness answered my question, Mr. Chair.

[Irwin Cotler, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

—hearings fairly, or we shouldn't be having these hearings.

[Brian Jean, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB]

Mr. Chair, on that point of order, Mr. Cotler is now taking up my time, because I will not have an opportunity to question any witness. So I'd appreciate the opportunity to do so.

[Françoise Boivin, NDP, Gatineau, QC]

And on a point of order, I think it should be my colleague who should complain about all of this time being taken, but you know what? I actually agree with Mr. Cotler. I think it's pathetic when we don't—

[The Chair, Conservative, Dave MacKenzie]

We're out of time. The bells are going to ring, but we are out of time.

The meeting is adjourned.