I apologize, Bernard.
The NDP, the Bloc Québécois and the Liberals have to be protected, but we, the government members, are being asked to step aside because we might stonewall and prevent committees from sitting. If the members of the NDP or the Bloc Québécois did not show up, that could also be filibustering. As well, opposition parties have been given some protection, but they have refused to give it to the party forming the government. I ask that all parliamentarians be treated fairly.
We are all parliamentarians, and a minimum protection should apply to us all. I demand that the Conservatives benefit from the same protection as do the NDP, the Bloc Québécois and the Liberal Party. I don't think I am asking for that much. Up until now, we have always attended meetings. We are talking about a theoretical situation, not something that has occurred often. I don't see why the opposition should be protected, but not the government.
Once again, the opposition is using its majority to engage in virtual obstruction. I cannot understand how the opposition parties can rationally explain that the government does not need to be present for there to be a quorum in committee.