I apologize to the witnesses for taking the floor.
Mr. Chair, I'm a bit surprised at the meeting timelines. I don't want to blame anyone, but I learned yesterday morning, at a meeting with an organization, that it was coming to testify on Thursday as part of the study stemming from the adopted motion on the Prime Minister's French, which had been proposed under Standing Order 106(4).
I don't think it's normal for us, as parliamentarians, to get that information from the witness himself. He was invited last week, but it was when he was in my office on Monday morning that he informed me that we were going to see each other again on Thursday.
I would like us to readjust the procedure. The witnesses today were probably informed that they were coming long before we were. For our part, we were informed late Friday afternoon of the identity of the witnesses here today, that is, Tuesday.
To do a good job, we have to be informed in advance. I understand that sometimes some of the witnesses haven't confirmed whether they'll appear. In that case, it makes perfect sense not to inform us, for logistical reasons. However, can we be informed of any confirmed attendance and receive updates as new witnesses confirm that they're coming?
That's the first point I wanted to raise. I would like to raise one more. Do you want to answer that first question, or can I speak to the second one right away?