Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I apologize, Mr. Noormohamed, for interrupting.
I just want to address a few things, Mr. Chair. On Tuesday, and then today, there was additional time scheduled for these meetings. I recognize that we have those capabilities, and there certainly can be legitimate reasons for scheduling additional time.
As the vice-chair and the lead for the opposition on this committee, I would ask that you consistently reach out to me when you plan to schedule extra time. I do believe I deserve the dignity of being asked or at least made aware. I believe you mentioned it at the beginning today, although you did not do so on Tuesday, that if it's the will of the committee, then we can go over time. Again, I believe we should be making that formal and voting, if need be, to expand the time.
Mr. Chair, I know you've been the chair now just for a little bit.
I would appreciate that respect provided to me. If you're going to schedule extra time, then please check with me. I know that I can't veto your decision, but at the very least I would ask that you give me as much heads-up as possible. I'm not talking about the morning of or right before the notice goes out. I would like the dignity of being provided it as the vice-chair of this committee and the lead for the opposition.
I would ask that you provide me the respect of giving me a heads-up for that and ample discussion time. Then, if we have issues, we can vote on extending the time. If we don't, we can just carry on as we did today. I believe that is standard procedure.
I would just ask that you honour that, when it comes to me. I can't speak for the other vice-chairs, but perhaps they would like to be provided that respect as well.