Thank you, Chair; and thank you, Minister.
Minister, I want to start off by pointing out the fact that you acted after my colleague tabled the bill. Your actions did not come prior to that. So I need put that on the table, but I also want to tell you something.
The day that you did the apology to the Chinese Canadians, I was glad, but I also cried, because I personally, even now, feel offended and incensed that you can sit there and tell me that for the Italian Canadian community it's sufficient for someone to say “I'm sorry” in a banquet hall, that it does not deserve someone to say “I am sorry” in the Parliament of Canada, where the representatives of the people of Canada sit.
Can you please tell me why you think the Italian Canadian community does not deserve that? And please make it short, because I have five other questions. Just give me a quick answer as to why you think so.