Yes, Mr. Chair, I want to say something quickly.
I just want to make the committee members aware of something. I think everyone here knows I'm not afraid of hard work, but when the committee is dealing with a bill that is highly technical and I have to wear my earpiece for four straight hours, so I can listen to the interpretation and follow what's being said, it's a lot. I'm sure the members opposite want me to contribute to the discussion and to fully understand what's being said. I challenge anyone to keep their earpiece in for four straight hours listening to the interpretation while I speak French. Then they'll see how hard it is.
Nevertheless, I choose to do this. Today, we are meeting for four hours, but I hope the Liberals don't intend to keep us here until midnight or we're all exhausted. I hope they'll have respect for all the committee members. A decision to keep us here that long would push me beyond my limits. The fact is I am the only unilingual French speaker on the committee, so I have to wear my earpiece the whole time to hear the interpretation of what's being said.
That's what I wanted to say to my fellow members. I am ready and willing to work, but I expect members to hear what I'm saying. That, too, is an indicator.
There's something else I want to say. I agree with Mr. Caputo, and I think it's unfortunate that the Privacy Commissioner isn't here. That is information we are missing. The department officials have consistently challenged the proposed amendments, so I'm curious. Why is that? I wish the commissioner had been given the opportunity to explain his recommendations. I don't understand why there's resistance to inviting him here for a half-hour or hour, so he can explain why these amendments are important. Philippe Dufresne isn't just anyone. I don't understand the resistance. Why don't we invite him here to explain his rationale?
It's like we're conducting a trial without taking the time to hear from a witness. He did not have a chance to address what the department officials have told us, about the amendments being overly restrictive.
In short, I'm prepared to work hard and to work co-operatively with my fellow members, but I would ask that they respect my limits.