Thank you, Mr. Chair.
First of all, in response to Mr. Simard, I'm prepared to remove the date. I'm not too fussed about it getting accomplished by February 28. My only concern is that it gets done at all.... I mean, if we're going to talk about consensus and whatnot, you can.... I lost track somewhere along there with the line about the opposition talking about this unnecessary election, but it was probably raised today in question period, and it will probably be raised tomorrow. You can say it over and over again.
If that's your view, which it is, you can say it to us over and over again. Don't take it out on the witnesses and all the people who worked so hard to contribute to this study. As has been said already, this was put forward by the Conservatives, with the support of Mr. Simard and Mr. Cannings.
Getting the drafting instructions is not a challenge in this situation. Mr. Simard was there. Mr. Angus and Mr. Cannings I'm sure would be more than happy to pinch-hit for you for one meeting to do that, as would others from the Conservative Party who were re-elected. I'm sure they would be happy to step in and do the same.
There's no obstacle to this happening other than politics. Let's not let politics get in the way of something that we had all agreed on previously, from all parties, getting done, because it is a sign of great respect to Parliament, but more importantly, to those witnesses and experts who took the time to put pen to paper and give their time to show up.
Thank you.