I do apologize to the committee that we're at this late date and have our backs to the wall with respect to time.
First, I think we came here today with a motion to extend the time. I understand that the opposition is opposed, and we understand that. That was our first issue.
Second, I think there's good merit in having the officials come before us to let us know exactly where they are in these discussions with their provincial counterparts and to know where that probably is. I think it's obvious there is support around the table for the concept of the bill, recognizing there are issues that need to be resolved—perhaps the first one is the federal-provincial jurisdictional issue—so I think it's appropriate.
We've heard from Mr. Wallace on that—on the bill itself—but I think Ms. Barnes is absolutely right; we should have the officials come before us and let us know where they are in that process, and I think we should do that sooner rather than later. If it means we have to put something else over a little bit, then we do it.