Cannabis Act  Madam Speaker, could the member comment on the government's plan to properly prepare for the implementation of the legislation. This afternoon we have heard a lot about this. In particular, there are $274 million to support law enforcement; another $161 million for training front-line officers; $81 million over the next five years for continued training of officers; and $46 million over five years for public education, awareness, and surveillance.

Cannabis Act  Madam Speaker, on the member's last point, he said that cannabis was dangerous when consumed by young Canadians. We know that 30% of young Canadians are currently consuming it. The status quo, the approach we have been taking, is not working. It is time to try something different, and we do not have look too far from where we have come with the way we have regulated tobacco and alcohol to ensure we keep them out of the hands of children.

Cannabis Act  Mr. Speaker, I am really glad to hear the member talk about children and the impacts of cannabis on children, but we know as fact that over 20% of children under the age of 18 already have access to marijuana and are using it. Thirty per cent of young adults are already using it.

Cannabis Act  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the comments by the member for Abbotsford. We get along great at the environment committee and had a great discussion this morning. Regrettably, I see some challenges with what he has presented here today. In particular, he talked about normalizing the use of cannabis.

Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2  Madam Speaker, I am quite puzzled by my colleague's lack of interest in some of the initiatives in the bill. Let me reference a couple of the things the bill would do. The bill would put measures in place that would give greater flexibility for Canadians working in federally regulated industries to balance work and family responsibilities.

Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2  Madam Speaker, I always enjoy hearing my colleague speak, including during question period when he is not asking a question. I want to address something the member said at the beginning of his speech. He talked about the middle class and how it was not being helped out. He said, “so much for strengthening the middle class”.

Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2  Madam Speaker, my colleague said at one point that he did not know where the economy is going. I do, and I can fill him in on that. We have the lowest unemployment rate now. We are the leading economy in terms of growth in the G7. The government is investing in children. The government is investing in lowering the small corporate tax rate.

Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2  Mr. Speaker, today on the Hill there are many youth from Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Canada. I know that one person in particular, Abbie Matheson, is spending the day shadowing me. The minister of youth spoke this morning and welcomed them. I am wondering if he could comment on how important this budget is to get it right for youth so that we can prepare the youth for tomorrow and so they fully have the opportunity to succeed.

Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2  Mr. Speaker, the reality of the situation is that Canada's economy is growing the fastest of the G7 countries. This government has made serious choices investing in people, investing in children, and investing in infrastructure and programs. The result of what this government is doing that we have seen over the last number of years is an improvement.

Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2  Mr. Speaker, I want to pick up on one thing that the member mentioned at the beginning, and that was the change in the economy in Canada, in particular being the fastest growing economy in the G7. This speaks directly to the budgets that have been presented by this government and what this government has been doing over the past two years.

Salaries Act  Mr. Speaker, I never miss an opportunity to hear a speech in the House by the member for St. Catharines. He does such an eloquent job of delivering them. Following on the prior comments made by the Conservative member who talked about the government responding to Canadians, is that not the whole point of a government, to respond to Canadians, to consult with Canadians, to fully understand the impacts their comments might have, and then to make sure its legislation fits in line with that?

Royal Military College  Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to have among us on Parliament Hill today some of our brave young women and men who currently attend Royal Military College in their journey to serve our great nation. This visit is one the students undertake every year, and I am proud to be able to stand in the House today to speak to the accomplishments of RMC and its graduates.

Gord Downie  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of a true Canadian legend, Gord Downie. We will remember him as one of the greatest artists of our time. Gord and The Tragically Hip started playing for Kingstonians in small pubs in the 1980s. Quickly winning over the hearts of Canadians, they rose to be known as Canada's band, thanks to Gord's stories through his songs, his wild antics, and his rantings on stage.

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, in following up on this, I took a shot at the member for Timmins—James Bay, and he took one back at me. I respect that. However, given that the member who just spoke also brought it up, perhaps I will try again to say what I had already said the first time. Maybe the members opposite could listen to me this time.

Business of Supply  Madam Speaker, at least now I know the member has heard what I said and has understood it. I appreciate the fact that he retracted it. I am sure he comes here with the best intentions, as we all do, to represent everyone, but to suggest we are the little guy, I think is extremely disingenuous.