Public Safety Committee on May 13th, 2010

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax—Pickering, ON]

Here's the thing.

Mr. Chair, I have the opportunity to lead into a question. Mr. Chair, please, I'm trying to ask a question. Please.

First of all, I stand proud with a leader who will stand for keeping our communities safe. I stand proud with a leader who's going to say that a system that is supported by that many professionals is one that we need to keep. I would ask this question to anybody: why on earth would you kill something that costs $4.1 million when so many people say it's a tool they need?

At the end of the day, if you as an individual don't particularly need to use that tool, then let others continue to use it, just as is the case with a trucker who has to drive for a living. He understands that he has to register his car. It's the same thing with a gun.

My question is for the Fédération des femmes du Québec.

[The Chair, Conservative, Garry Breitkreuz]

Allow some time for answering.

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax—Pickering, ON]

Do you think this bill, and by extension the Harper government to which this bill belongs, stands up for women? Do you think that killing the gun registry is an effective way to combat violence against women?

[The Chair, Conservative, Garry Breitkreuz]

Does anybody want to pick up on that?

[Alexa Conradi]

Of course it is not a good way to combat violence against women.

I have a question for the Conservatives. Have they asked aboriginal women's groups what they think about the domestic violence they are experiencing and what they think about registration? Also, what do women in rural areas think about the domestic gun violence they will be facing when firearms no longer have to be registered?

We consider this bill to be irresponsible and it really has to be opposed.

[The Chair, Conservative, Garry Breitkreuz]

Is there anybody else? Go ahead, Mr. Edzerza.

[John Edzerza]

Yes, I would—

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax—Pickering, ON]

It's my turn, Mr. Chair. I have a question for Mr. Momy.

[The Chair, Conservative, Garry Breitkreuz]

You addressed this to everybody on the panel, and now—

[Mark Holland, Liberal, Ajax—Pickering, ON]

No, I didn't. I asked a very specific question to the federation. I have a last question for Mr. Momy and one for Detective Constable Teeft, and I only have one moment.

I just want to know—

[The Chair, Conservative, Garry Breitkreuz]

I'm sorry. The time is up.

This meeting stands adjourned.