Thanks, Madam Chair. I'll be brief.
I have just a couple of points. First, I appreciate what Ms. Findlay said about consulting with other members of the committee. I wholeheartedly agree with you, but there are times when a representative from one party will speak on behalf of his or her colleagues when dealing with other members of the committee. Mr. Virani did this on this occasion. I'm sure it happens in your party, too, whether it's Mr. Moore, you, Mr. Lewis or Mr. Cooper.
There was nothing sinister there, which is really the point I want to get at. Mr. Moore has suggested that, out of the blue and unbeknownst to anybody, Mr. Virani showed up today and dropped something on the committee that was outside the scope of anything we had talked about. It couldn't be further from the case. Ascribing any sort of sinister objective to Mr. Virani is not only wrong, but it's a little bit offensive, frankly. The issue was on the table in more than one amendment proposed by Mr. Garrison. We heard ample evidence from witnesses on the subject. I don't think there's anything inappropriate about the procedure whatsoever. We're having a discussion on an issue that's clearly on the table. It was part of the amendments proposed.
As for the minister coming here, I was here when the minister came to the committee and I never heard him say once that this bill is untouchable. He's always, of course, open to amendments. He respects the committee and the process. He respects all the members regardless of what party they are in. He's open to listening to suggestions on amendments.
Thank you, Madam Chair.