Thank you, Chair.
It would seem that I am evolving to be odd man out. It's not the first time I've been there, and I suspect not the last, but that's the way it is sometimes.
I accept that maybe I'm getting a little cynical. I was first elected in 1985, 25 years ago, as an alderman. I mention that not to talk about me, but to point out the fact that the first time this issue was raised was the same year, 1985. When I hear that suddenly everything is going to be fixed, I have my doubts about how quickly that's really going to happen. I note that the current plan, as put forward by the deputy in terms of all these consultations, says that this will inform the development of options and also discussions with the parliamentary partners this coming fall and winter. I am willing to predict--and I hope I'm wrong, and I'll say so publicly--that about a year from now this committee or some other committee is going to be dealing with the same issue. It will not be resolved. There's going to be another year go by.
I understand Mr. Kramp's comments. I think he shares some of my concerns. I appreciate what he said. He knows the respect I have for him and his role in this committee. I worry about politicizing the issue if it came in the hands of the politicians. Fair enough, but let's remember that all three of the examples that are in the report today have the equivalent responsibility back with the politicians. In Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, they felt they were able to overcome any potential partisanship by relying on the overarching responsibility, I think, that we all feel and accept as parliamentarians to this place, above and beyond our respective political parties.
Having said all of that, I realize that the process in front of us is likely the way it's going to be. So be it. It's democracy. I'll live with it. But help me understand, even in the proposal that's here, Deputy, where do the parliamentarians finally play a role? Even if you come up with all these options, unless we change something, the current decision on the options will still be taken by the cabinet. They might nicely consult with the rest of us mere MPs, but the fact of the matter is that under the current process the decision is exactly the same as if we were funding highways. So help me understand where we bring in the parliamentary role in this as we ultimately see the options lined up and a decision being taken. How does Parliament own that process if currently we stay with what we have, which is the usual executive and legislative?