I think I concur with the other people on the opposition side of the table that it won't really foster a positive kind of debate in the public arena. The one time we had the joint committee meeting it was really a horrible experience. There wasn't an opportunity for any kind of real debate, and there were a number of witnesses appearing at the time. The only way I could describe it, and I think I did this privately with Laurie, is that it was like participating in a gong show, and I'm really not prepared to put myself or anyone else on the committee through that again.
The other thing I would say to the government is that I agree that the Manley report deserves to be debated. I believe it should be debated in the House, so I would urge the government to put forward a government motion—through the House under government orders—that would allow not only people on the defence or foreign affairs committee to participate in the debate, but would allow all members of Parliament who wished to participate to debate the recommendations of the Manley report. I think that would be far more democratic. It would allow all members of Parliament an opportunity to put their views forward.
That's my position. I won't be voting in favour of this motion.