Senator Mockler: As I said earlier, the steering committee of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance made that decision after examining the issue. After careful consideration, the committee decided that Bill C-234 should be examined and that the clause-by-clause consideration should be done after the report was tabled in this chamber.

Hon. Percy Mockler: Thank you very much, Senator Woo. I think it is an important question.

Last night I answered that question during the Agriculture and Forestry Committee. I’ll take this opportunity to answer the question more specifically.

As we all know, chairs of committees and senators are masters of our committees when it comes to proceedings and studies. On that, before I speak about the mandate, Senator Woo, please permit me to add that the steering committee met twice to consider the agenda of the Finance Committee. We decided unanimously that Bill C-234 could not be studied by the Finance Committee.