Mr. Chair, I would like to suggest an amendment.
I'd like to raise an amendment at this time, if it's possible.
I have listened carefully to my colleague. I had already told him about my amendment before the Committee meeting. I will put it before the Committee so that it may be put on record.
The Minister of Natural Resources is mentioned with regard to BIOCAP. And yet, three ministers are involved in this issue, namely the Ministers of the Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources. To begin with, the words “Minister of Natural Resources” should be replaced with “government of Canada.”
Secondly, I understand my colleague’s concerns. What worries him about this issue is the short-term financing designed to ensure that the commitments which were made are respected. Now the version that was submitted to us says the following, at the end:
“...and launch its 2007-08 research programs on the bioeconomy”.
Mr. Chair, I suggest that these words be removed because they go beyond what my colleague is suggesting. This may be done during the reflection or policy exercise, or other, but I think it is premature. If we want to respect the spirit of the motion put forward by my colleague, I recommend that you amend it as I have just suggested. By the way, I have handed out a bilingual text of the amended motion, which we will support.