Thank you, Madam Chair.
I wasn't privy to that conversation. I must say I'm very disappointed to hear that.
In the over nine years I've been a member of Parliament, it has without exception been my experience that people who introduce private member's bills are passionate about their issue. They're quite anxious to appear at committee to share their insights into why the issue is so important to them and enlighten the committee members as to why they should support it.
As I'm thinking and talking, I am quite astonished by the fact this individual is not available or not willing to come to the committee to speak to his bill. I've seen him in the House recently, so we know he's around.
Just to make the wishes of the committee crystal clear, I would like to move this motion:
That the committee invite Arnold Viersen, as the sponsor of Bill C-270, to appear for one hour as soon as possible to begin committee consideration of this legislation.
That's the legislation we are tasked with dealing with.
I can't imagine there would be any opposition to this motion around the table, but I guess I remain to be surprised, as I sometimes am, by events at the committee and in Parliament.
There it is. I hope we can deal with this in very fast order, so we can move on to other pressing business. I do have another motion I would like to table subsequently, which I will deal with later. It deals with extending the time for this committee to consider the bill by 30 days, given the delay that has taken place so far.
I would like to deal with the motion inviting Mr. Viersen first. I'd be interested in hearing from other members of the committee on their views.
Thank you, Madam Chair.