Small Business  Madam Speaker, I would really just like an answer to the question. Why the delay? We started to identify these shortfalls in the CEBA program as early as May, yet it was over six months before those changes were finally made. Again, what I would like an answer on is why the government keeps making announcements of what it wants to do or what we will do, without making it crystal clear when it is actually going to implement them or execute them.

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, through you to my colleague across the way, I have a couple of quick points. First, he mentioned at the start of his speech that he was confused as to whether he was 57 or 58 years old. I would appreciate that clarification. I would like to note that I learned something new about him, which is that he served in the Canadian Armed Forces in the past.

Small Business  Mr. Speaker, many small business owners and Canadian farmers are still having difficulty accessing the Canada emergency business account. The government finally committed to fixing these shortfalls on August 31, after many months of opposition members asking for these changes. However, as of this morning, the CEBA website still states, “Businesses which choose to do their banking through a personal bank account are not eligible to apply for a CEBA loan.”

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, I have a petition on behalf of Canadians who call on the House to formally recognize the genocide and atrocities against the Uighur population and Muslim minorities in China, and for us to take the appropriate action via sanctions. As someone who was deployed to countries where genocide has occurred, we need to stand up against this now.

COVID-19 Emergency Response  Mr. Speaker, can the government please confirm that it has a reliable plan to handle the forecasted increased service demands at all Service Canada offices once these new benefits pass in order to prevent the current multi-hour wait times? As well, will the government commit to making that plan public within the next couple of weeks to include exact dates on which Service Canada offices will open and when?

Jim Merriam  Mr. Speaker, on September 19, Canada lost a great Canadian, rural media personality and columnist. Jim Merriam passed away surrounded by his loving family after a 21-year battle with cancer. Jim's “Funny Farm” column was well known and well read. Whether sharing his opinions on newsworthy events or controversial decisions, details about his farm and beloved mules, light-hearted jokes or promoting charitable events, his was a loud, reasoned voice that came directly from the heart.

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, I have a simple question for the hon. member. I think I know what his answer will be. Did the member hear anything in the Speech from the Throne that would rationalize the government choosing to prorogue Parliament for the last six weeks? Was there anything new?

Petitions  Madam Speaker, I am rising today to present petition e-2626, which I authorized not for one of my own constituents, but for a constituent in the riding of Ottawa Centre, as unfortunately the MP for Ottawa Centre chose not to authorize it. The petitioner simply requests that the House of Commons hold a debate around the idea that any MPs involved with the passing of firearms legislation be informed, trained and have completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Courses, including obtaining a restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence, prior to passing any firearms-related legislation or measures.

Resumption of debate on Address in Reply  Mr. Speaker, the hon. member talked about the acceleration of rural broadband and connectivity. The Speech from the Throne talks to accelerating it. Could the member please provide some clarity on what that means? The current federal government's plan says by 2030. Could the member provide a ballpark timeline?

Resumption of Debate on Address in Reply  Madam Speaker, the member hinted that the Speech from the Throne talked about no one being left behind. However, I was very disappointed when I listened to the speech that rural Canada was referred to twice out of approximately 7,000 words. Could the member indicate how much money out of those infrastructure dollars, or what percentage, is going to go to rural Canada, like much of Atlantic Canada, which I have a lot of respect for having spent eight years of my life posted there?

Business of the House  Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of clarification. Can we confirm that in paragraph (j)(ii) the last sentence reads, “Provided that any extension of time pursuant to Standing Order 45(7.1),” however, I believe it was read 47(7.1), “shall not exceed 90 minutes.”

COVID-19 Pandemic  Mr. Chair, I did not hear an answer. Yes or no, will the ceiling be changed?

COVID-19 Pandemic  Mr. Chair, could the Minister of Finance answer that question? Will the ceiling be changed?

COVID-19 Pandemic  Mr. Chair, Service Canada offices have been closed across the country. Canadians without Internet access or phone access depend on Service Canada offices. Will the government consider reopening Service Canada offices, and when?

COVID-19 Pandemic  Mr. Chair, the Prime Minister visited my riding of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound just before last fall's election to discuss broadband rural Internet. I will add that he was received with a passionate welcome, to say the least. Small businesses, people working from home and rural schools are all suffering due to a lack of reliable Internet.