Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would like to welcome the members of Hockey Canada and Sport Canada. Thank you for being here today.
In today's papers, we can read views stating that politicians should not interfere in hockey. It's becoming an interesting debate, which is leading to a great deal of discussion. It's as if you're on the ice with the puck, and don't know where to pass it. But the issue has engendered uncertainty. We are seeing the debate develop in a regrettable direction.
I would like to ask you a few questions. I genuinely believe that, as human beings, we should have respect for one another's communities, not only among francophones and anglophones, but among all communities of the world. That is how we will succeed in living in peace, instead of making war. Sometimes, it is minor incidents like these that take up our time and degrade the general atmosphere. I would like to congratulate you for the speed with which you appeared before our committee, to tell us how important these measures are. We can say we must
try to clean the air.
I think this is a very important discussion. In my capacity as a parliamentarian, I don't agree with the view that politicians should simply deal with Canada's problems and leave hockey players alone. Hockey is part of our heritage and our image. When I was elected as a member of the House of Commons, it was not so I could deal only with some issues and ignore others. Anything that affects the business of Parliament affects everyone, and we must answer people's questions. When there is $3.2 million of taxpayers' money involved, I think we have the right to ask questions and I don't intend to apologize to anyone for it.
That said, I do have a question. Have you read the deposition made by Michel Cormier, the National Hockey League linesman? Did you read the deposition he made under oath?