Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I also support my colleague Mr. Garrison's motion. It is important because this bill would make changes to the National Parole Board and have implications for the Department of Public Safety. It is vital that we take a close look at the issue.
Barely 48 hours ago, we heard testimony that absolutely has to be examined. I want something rectified. I did not have access to that testimony in my first language, and that should not be the case. I cannot do my job as a lawmaker properly if I don't have access to the documentation in my first language, French. Had it been the other way around and if all the testimony had been in French, we would be having an entirely different discussion, and I wouldn't be the only one objecting so strongly. The government should understand my position here.
Mr. Garrison made a good point. We ought to know why the officials from the National Parole Board weren't able to appear the last time. We think the reason was that the date didn't work for them. It is imperative that we hear their views on the bill because they are the ones who will be administering it. We should also hear what the Public Safety Canada representatives have to say because the bill impacts public safety issues.
Look on the bright side. Even if we were to finish the clause by clause today, it wouldn't make it to the House by tomorrow morning. So we can take the time to deal with this the right way. As lawmakers, we have a duty to pass good legislation. We can take the time to study this bill properly and make the necessary amendments in due course.