Each time you have spoken, I've listened. I would ask that you show the same kind of respect. Is it agreed?
I am saying that I cannot understand how the government can be excluded from taking part in a debate. How is it that it can be silenced and not even allowed to vote? A motion to censure the government could even be adopted unanimously. That is beyond me.
I realize that you are taking advantage of the fact that you have a majority opposition to set the agenda. I can understand that, but I believe there are lines that should not be crossed, such as muzzling the government, preventing it from taking part in debate and withdrawing its right to vote. You are using the chair's position to neutralize him and prevent the government from speaking out. I have a very hard time understanding that.
We have offered to appoint someone other than the parliamentary secretary to speak on behalf of the government. You have voted against both Jeff Watson and myself, as possible replacements for the parliamentary secretary. I see Mr. McGuinty is quite busy reading the newspaper, as is Mr. Regan. If that is how you operate, it is very sad.