Madam Speaker, we do have concerns about how the government is conducting its pre-budget consultations. They are not necessarily the same concerns, but the government is holding its own pre-budget consultations, just like the previous Conservative government did. That is perfectly legitimate, but the consultations are limited because they are organized by the government.
We asked the Minister of Finance to have the Standing Committee on Finance hold formal pre-budget consultations. We recognize that there is limited time because the committee has not yet been struck. However, we proposed an intense schedule for the Standing Committee on Finance, which would meet for two or even three weeks, from morning to night if need be, so that each party, including the government, could hold public consultations that would be open to all Canadians. That would provide input other than that sought by the government.
Naturally, if the government organizes its own pre-budget consultations it controls the entire process, including the selection of witnesses. It is important to recognize the role of the Standing Committee on Finance, which has members from the three recognized parties, and to ensure that Canadians in all situations and from all walks of life and all philosophical backgrounds are heard in the House, even if within a shorter period of time. I believe that the Standing Committee on Finance is prepared to do this work. All we need is for the government to agree.