Mr. Chair, we are being criticized for wanting to invite ministers in every motion. But it is our job to ask questions. Ministers represent the government. Unfortunately, our parliamentary system is designed that way. At the same time, I do not see why they do not want the Minister of Official Languages to appear before the committee.
I think it is important for us to ask the minister about this, since he is the official who has to uphold the act, whether or not that is through the responsible minister, the Minister of Canadian Heritage; that is his decision.
If the government wishes to alter the schedule to increase the likelihood of the minister appearing, I would say that has already been planned, but not on that matter.
I do not want us, as parliamentarians, to be deprived of our time to ask questions. If the minister appears for an hour, you know, Mr. Chair, the opposition will have 12 minutes and the second and third parties in opposition will have six or seven minutes. I think that is irresponsible in general. We would not be able to do our work rigorously and responsibly.