I share this point of view.
First, even if the minister came on Tuesday, we wouldn't have time to finish the study of the bill by Christmas. Moreover, we won't be sitting next Tuesday, as far as I know.
I think that having the minister appear, having him talk to us for an hour about Bill C-41, and then adjourning and returning home, then coming back in early February and starting it all again would do little good. But there's nothing stopping us from starting to think about what kind of witnesses we want to hear from.
I am currently taking steps to prepare amendments with legislative counsel. I would like to fine tune some things in this bill. I don't see the point of inviting the minister. His presence is still an important piece of the puzzle, the political piece, and we are having him appear on Tuesday. Then we will close the books and head home for a month.
I would like us to get off on the right foot at the end of January and have the minister join us then. I'm happy to. I think he'll be accompanied by the judge advocate general. It doesn't seem like much, but having the judge advocate general here is important because he can answer technical questions. If he comes with the minister and we talk about technical matters, and then we head off on vacation, eat a little turkey, drink a little wine—