Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to be speaking to this important motion. As members know, affordability is not just a question here in Canada. It is also a question that is extremely important right across the world. It is important that we have those discussions. That is what it is all about.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague a question. In the face of affordability, our government has increased the indexing for the CCB, the OAS and the GIS. How important is that for the member's community?

Veterans Affairs  Mr. Speaker, we have been, in the government here, supporting veterans since the beginning. Since 2016 we have invested over $11 billion to support veterans, including lots of different programs to support those veterans, whether it be a chronic pain centre for veterans or Pension for Life.

African Heritage Month  Mr. Speaker, it is African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia. Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook is marking the occasion by celebrating the cultural legacy achievements and contributions of people of African descent in our country. This year's theme is “Seas of Struggle—African Peoples from Shore to Shore”, which recognizes the strength and determination of the people of African descent, from the shores of Africa to the shores of Nova Scotia.

Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2022  Mr. Speaker, there is no question the member works hard, but where he seems to go down the wrong path is the Conservatives do not understand the difference between spending and investing in Canadians. The member talked a lot about the economy. I would like the member to tell me and all Canadians why he voted against the top-up for housing and the dental plan and why he voted against the child care program.

Historic Places of Canada Act  Madam Speaker, I have to say my colleague's speech was well documented and well delivered. I appreciated many of things that were in it. He stayed away from the partisanship that he shows once in a while, except that he did make two personal attacks on the minister, but I will put that aside.

Public Complaints and Review Commission Act  Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his question and his comments. However, I disagree with him completely. We are the first government in Canadian history to recognize the decline of French in the province of Quebec. That is a good start. We want to bring in positive measures that will yield results.

Public Complaints and Review Commission Act  Mr. Speaker, my colleague is right. People need to have trust in the process, and they need to trust our institutions. That is why this independent study would bring not only the oversight but also more transparency. What is important is that an annual report would be submitted as well.

Public Complaints and Review Commission Act  Mr. Speaker, we believe in members of Parliament working together to bring forward amendments that will make life better for Canadians. That is a crucial part. I believe we do that the large majority of times. However, I am extremely disappointed with how things are unfolding on the Standing Committee on Official Languages, because as the members know, our government has brought forward Bill C-13.

Public Complaints and Review Commission Act  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her very important question I would like to point out that we are at second reading stage and that this is when questions can be asked. At the next stage, when the bill is studied in committee, amendments can be presented and discussed, and decisions will be made based on these discussions.

Public Complaints and Review Commission Act  Mr. Speaker, as my colleague knows, consultation is a key area, and we have done some consultations. Have we done all the consultation? I cannot confirm that today. What I can say is that when we bring this to committee, we will hear from even more witnesses and experts in the field.

Public Complaints and Review Commission Act  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his work on the committee, which is very important. In 2019, we brought the first bill forward, and then again in 2020. That was Bill C-3, and it did not get through the process. The intent of the government and this side of the House is to get this done.

Public Complaints and Review Commission Act  Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to debate Bill C-20 and will resume from where I left off. Bill C-20 would respond to the long-standing need to establish an independent review of the CBSA and improve review of the RCMP. This bill would build on the previous proposals to create a review body for the RCMP and CBSA.

Veterans Affairs  Mr. Speaker, I want to explain to the House why this is a totally unacceptable and irresponsible question. This new contract will give 14,000 veterans access to 9,000 medical services staff, and there will be 600 offices available to them. This will also allow our case managers to reduce their administrative time and have more time to spend with our veterans.

Public Complaints and Review Commission Act  Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity, as the member of Parliament for Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook, to speak in this debate on second reading of Bill C-20, an act establishing the public complaints and review commission and amending certain acts and statutory instruments.