Thank you, Chair.
Actually, it's interesting that you speak about that topic. I remember that was the subject of lengthy discussions in the 42nd Parliament, as to why this committee no longer invited ministers. It was actually something that the opposition brought forward, that indeed it had to be deputy ministers who were brought to this committee. Why? It was because of the goal of keeping this committee non-partisan, on topic, objective and dealing with the facts before us.
I think all members will agree, especially my Conservative colleagues, that when you're dealing with financials, it's as close to black and white as one can get. Numbers can be interpreted, but numbers don't lie.
It's interesting when you say to look at the past history of this and other committees. I certainly did, as you have done. It's very interesting. It's like having a window into history when one reads the minutes, which are there for all to see. I certainly recommend to my fellow parliamentarians, for this committee or any committee that they join, that they have a look at how, as my colleague Mr. Fragiskatos said, there has been an evolution in the operation of committees. That's for very good reason. It's always with measured debate and input from all parties as to how a committee could better perform its function and complete its mandate.
When we talk about bringing innovation to this committee, let me just say how proud I am that this committee was able, last week using fulsome debate, to come to a good place regarding the invitation of witnesses to this committee.
Chair, you'll recall that the motion of Mr. Genuis was for using a full-on, scorched earth summons to a committee when intermediate steps had not been taken. Intermediate steps are part and parcel of what Parliament is about. It is about the process. It is about working together to get to a place where.... I always like the word “Parliament” because it's parler—where people talk.
It's a place where we talk together.
In this case, because it was done in such a drastic and unprecedented way, particularly for this committee, it was egregious. I thank very much my colleagues, Madam Sinclair-Desgagné and Mr. Desjarlais, for having contributed to bringing a result, which I think we will agree was a very happy outcome. The witnesses have now agreed to come of their own volition.