Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the latitude.
I know that the rules require speaking at the earliest opportunity. The speech the member gave on October 7 was at 8 p.m. I spoke on Bill C-39 at 11 p.m., and I was not aware of the member's speech until I saw reference to it in media reports. I then spoke to the Speaker and did attempt to speak directly with the member for Halifax, and I asked for an apology so that I would not have to be in this place now.
I hope that addresses the issue of rising at my earliest opportunity. I did hope to resolve this short of rising on a question of personal privilege.