Senator Martin: I think my colleagues who served on the committee would agree that it was very rushed, and we were pressed for time.
I worry about the three-year extension. Personally, I would like an indefinite pause so that a bill can be tabled when we are ready, whether it be three years or longer. One year sounds like a lot of time, but in a parliamentary cycle, many things can interrupt that time. That is what happened to our previous committee. There was a winter recess, so we had less time than we thought we had over the six months given to us. I can’t answer that accurately because I don’t know. I know that we will reconvene and we will be tasked to fulfill our mandate.
That’s why I think we need more than three years. At least this bill gives us three years; therefore, I will support this bill.