Before doing that, Mr. Chair, I would like to say that I understand my colleague's comment and that I have the same objective as she has, to move the matter forward.
However, in Ms. Ashton's amendment that we approved, that we voted against but the Liberals and New Democrats voted for, it says December 1. Mathematically, that doesn't work.
We can't do what that motion says. It's a matter of common sense. So I am asking all committee members. Forget partisanship. Can we find common ground?
As I have done several times, I am reaching out to committee members. I also proposed, referring to my notice of motion on November 10 regarding meetings, that we wipe the slate clean and start over, because at this point the dates are the stumbling block. We're working, but we're going in circles. It isn't moving forward. Whom is this serving? I ask.
Mr. Chair, I urge you to put the question to the members of the committee to ascertain whether we can get unanimous consent.
Can we get unanimous consent, either on that or on going to work in subcommittee or on any other productive proposal, to make some progress on the cause of French and improve Bill C‑13, without being gagged?
I think that's what is most important. It's the only sticking point.
We moderated our approach. We wanted to reduce the list of our witnesses. We wanted to shorten the window for testimony.
We did win something: the testimony of the Minister of Heritage. However, he will not be able to come because it will be over on December 1.
We have two hours left at the next meeting, and it will certainly not be today, because the Minister was not on the calendar. The officials are not in the room. We are going in circles.
I am therefore calling on all committee members for us to be able to find a solution, resolve the situation and start working on improving Bill C‑13.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.