As a parliamentarian and a first-time MP who is interested in the way this place works, who wants to see it function better, and who wants to participate in a process by which ideas can be shared and different views on how the place can be improved can be examined and debated, when we find ourselves prematurely in a situation where the opposition parties refuse even to discuss the ideas, I feel robbed by the opposition of an opportunity to have my ideas heard and debated in this forum, an opportunity that was put forward. The filibuster is premature. If the opposition members are looking forward to a filibuster, why don't they wait until members of Parliament—backbenchers, independents, members of recognized and unrecognized parties—have had an opportunity to bring their ideas to the table?
I don't disagree that opposition parties have the right to filibuster. I just feel that, in this particular case, it's premature and it's robbing everyone in this House of the opportunity to participate in the debate. If you want to filibuster, wait until after the ideas are out there so we can have an honest discussion and debate, and then filibuster the recommendations. This is so premature and wasteful of everyone's time.
As a first-time MP, I am somewhat flabbergasted that this is the strategy, because the government campaigned on parliamentary reform—and we'll do it. The better way is to do it after having a proper discussion. If the opposition refuses to engage in debate, they will be left with the fruits of their own labour.