Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
I hear something often from my constituents, and it's that one needs to take action. Whether that's expressed through in-person conversations, over the phone, or in emails or letters, it's incumbent upon all of us to do just that.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, action was taken. All parties got together, and although there has been disagreement, and significant disagreement, about aspects of that response throughout the last number of months, action was taken.
Canadians still expect their government to work for them, to deal with the issues at hand and the challenges that they're facing. I know I hear often from members of all parties that there needs to be a clear focus on serving Canadians.
However, we see this Liberal government embroiled yet again in a scandal that is taking away from its ability to do the most basic work it's been tasked to do. With revelations that we heard yesterday, Madam Chair, it is absolutely unprecedented to forget to pay back $41,000 and to take an illegal trip as a cabinet minister when your position specifically precludes you from being allowed to do that. These are not just serious allegations; they are serious admissions.
Canadians expect their government to work for them. Canadians expect that each and every one of us is willing to take action, and certainly I plan to support this motion. There is no doubt that this finance minister has certainly lost not only my confidence but the confidence of Canadians and that he is distracting from the work that Canadians expect from their finance minister. Regardless of whom they voted for, Canadians expect better. Canadians deserve better.
Madam Chair, I plan to support this motion put forward by the Bloc because it's time that there's some accountability. It's time that action is taken to help restore trust in the institutions of government, in Parliament.
My honourable friend Mr. Barrett made a very good point. We are caretakers of the offices we hold. Whether that is as a member of Parliament, as a committee chair or a member of a committee, as a member of cabinet or as the Prime Minister himself, we are caretakers, and we must do just that: take the utmost care, because Canadians hold us to the high standards that we should strive for.
It is unbelievable, quite frankly, what we've been seeing in the actions of certain members of the Liberal government.
With that, I plan to support this motion. Thank you.