Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman.
Before we begin, I would like to clarify one thing. I had a very unpleasant surprise just before question period. I did not appreciate certain Committee members trying to blackmail me, saying that if I supported them, they would support me. That sort of thing should not occur in a democracy. In a democracy, people are free to vote for whomever they want, without being subject to blackmail. I felt frustrated and I really didn't like what was happening. The matter is now closed. I will not comment further, but I had to get this off my chest. I've done that now, Mr. Chairman. I won't hold it against anyone, but I do hope it won't happen again.
At the last meeting, a number of proposals were brought forward. We had trouble reaching consensus on speaking time. Mr. Chairman, I took the initiative of sending you a motion, with a table attached to it, that I believe you have received. It is a simple table, developed on the basis of the percentage of representation in the House of Commons. I did it with equity in mind, as opposed to partisanship, and I did not attempt to give anyone more speaking time than another. I just wanted to be fair and equitable. I prepared this as would a parent trying to find a happy medium.
That is my proposal. You have now seen it and read it. It is up to you to vote on it and decide what you want to do.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.