Any member who wants to choose that can do so, Mr. Williams. It doesn't need the chair. However, I would think that if we allow this as a precedent it would be easy to get rid of members of Parliament, parliamentary debates, committee debates. I see it being more of a personal item. If the member thinks it appropriate that he not participate or not be here, then he or she would have to make that determination.
In accordance with previous practice of this committee, we will ask the clerk at this point in time to swear in the witnesses.
In the meantime, Mr. Christopherson, do you have a point?