That's fair enough.
I'm going to give some background for anyone who hasn't been stuck with me as chair before. What I usually do and what I've done in the past is grant witnesses based on proportion. If we were at 25% each and you put in 25%, I always believe that it's up to those parties to put through those witnesses' names based on the number they've been allocated. I do not mess with those lists, because that is who you, as one of those members, wish to see.
In the past we have based it on the representation in the House of Commons. As I've said, I've always guaranteed that I would not mess around with your lists. I don't think that's the option of the chair, because I do believe that diversity of opinion is exactly what we need.
Is there any other discussion or are there concerns on this issue before we go forward?
Okay. Would everybody like to see the amendment? Shall we have a vote? Okay. We'll have a recorded vote.
(Amendment negatived: nays 8; yeas 2)
The amendment has been defeated. Are there any other amendments?
We'll go to the main motion.
(Motion agreed to)
Mr. Serré, continue.