Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the hon. member on his comments. I note that he mentioned the multiple provinces his family has links to. I know that the hon. member has been listening to question period in recent days and to the debate in this House, where people have named different provinces in this country and argued that a unity crisis would be caused if the pipeline was not approved, because Alberta would want to secede or Quebec would want to secede.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I can only say and underscore that the stabbing of innocent civilians in Israel is unacceptable. It is something that is absolutely opposed by me at all levels.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I do not think I am actually sitting in the place that the former member for Bourassa sat in the chamber since I am a little further back. That being said, as someone who served as a mayor on the island of Montreal in the regional government, I speak to the mayor of Montreal all the time.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, this government and the minister herself have underscored our commitment to righting the wrongs that have happened in this country with respect to our aboriginal populations. I can only say that the member can be sure of the commitment not only of the minister but of all of the members on this side of the House to work to ensure that aboriginal Canadians are treated as full and entire citizens in this country and have all of the rights and benefits that they should, including clean water, good education, and fair play throughout.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour to rise in the House in response to the Speech from the Throne. As we all know, when we respond to the throne speech, when we look at the throne speech, we look at it from the background we come from. I look at it from my professional background.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, I share my colleague's conviction on human rights. I have a question with respect to Saudi Arabia. As the member is aware, the previous government made an arms deal with Saudi Arabia, by which a very sizable amount of weapons is going to be shipped to Saudi Arabia.

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke for his speech. I thought he was passionate, and I appreciated the comments. I understand the Conservative Party position saying that we need to continue the bombing mission. I understand the government position saying that we need to train ground troops because the bombing mission will never succeed without troops on the ground, as I think we all know.

Business of Supply  Mr. Chair, I would like to use my time by allocating five minutes to questions. I would like to take this opportunity, since it is the first time I am rising in this place, to thank the voters of Mount Royal for electing me. I would also like to congratulate all of the other members of the House on getting elected.