Mr. Chair, thank you very much.
I am tempted, to be honest, to give a long preamble here, as my colleague just did and as the Conservatives have done today. I would take them seriously were it not for the fact—and it is a fact—that their signature policy when they were in office from 2006 to 2015 was to send cheques to millionaires.
What did we see in that time? Child poverty went up. In fact, the Canada child benefit that's already been referenced—and should continue to be referenced—is helping thousands of kids across the country. In fact, 750,000 children have been lifted out of poverty since 2015 because of that policy of this government.
I would also take the Conservatives seriously, if they had any alternative to put on the table. If they don't like this program, what do they like? Do they want to go back to giving out cheques to millionaires? It's probably exactly that, and that's why they're silent on this.
I do want to address my colleague.
First of all, I want to thank him for his advocacy. His advocacy is done, first and foremost, on behalf of his constituents. However, in doing so, he has found a way to bring light and attention to a very critical issue that affects every single constituency across the country.
In formulating the private member's bill, I know that Mr. Cormier did a lot of work. I know that he reached out and engaged in a lot of consultation within his constituency and beyond. We are going to hear from witnesses today. I'd love to hear from him about the consultation that he did. As good an MP as he is—and he's very good—I know that the bill reflects the opinion of advocates in the community that are focusing on kids, and that's a big community. I'd love to hear his thoughts on on that specific matter.