Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
I wanted to talk a little about why I disagree with this motion. I feel it is important that we remind ourselves why we are here: we are here to solve a problem in the Canadian Armed Forces. That is why, at the last meeting, as a committee, we decided together to stop meeting so that we could write a report and recommend appropriate measures to the government in order to solve this problem in the Canadian Armed Forces.
I am very disappointed to see what is happening today. I am disappointed that, once again, a motion was brought to the committee at the last minute. It's really not respectful of the other committee members, and it's not efficient either. As we found out, we had to suspend the committee for about an hour so that members could evaluate and discuss the motion.
First, I am very disappointed that, several times during this study, that has been the approach advocated by some members of the committee. In my view, it is something that we should neither tolerate nor accept.
Second, with respect to the motion before us at this time, I would point to the fact that Mr. Marques has indicated several times that he is willing to testify. Mr. Marques has made contact with our clerk on several occasions. Therefore, there is no evidence or reason to believe that he is not ready, willing and able to testify.
Third, if passed by the committee, this motion will suggest that Mr. Marques is not willing to testify or work with the committee, which will have a very significant impact on his reputation, even though he is working with the clerk to be able to testify.
At our most recent meeting, we discussed the need to move on to writing the report. I think it's a shame that, despite that, Mr. Bezan is playing politics with this motion. I think it's a great shame that, in doing so, he is trying to damage the reputation of someone who is working with us.
Thank you, Madam Chair.