Mr. Speaker, I find the member's question truly astounding. I have to say that it is precisely that kind of cheap politics that erodes public confidence in politics these days.
It is very tempting to say to the member that it is not his business to know what the personal circumstances are of individual members of Parliament. Let me take the opportunity since that member has had the audacity and frankly the ignorance to stand up in this House to ask that question to make it clear that it is not his business.
It is a matter of public record that when my father died four years ago after a desperate struggle with Alzheimer's I did not inherit one single cent. I did not inherit any money because my father believed in a country that is not based on herited wealth. He believed that we should have a fair tax system in this country that redistributes wealth in a way that would enable, in fact require, the Government of Canada to invest in health care for all, not just for the privileged, to invest in education for all, not just for those who can pay high tuition fees, to invest in jobs for all, not just for those who happen to come into their jobs through nepotism or patronage or through being well connected with the corporate elite.
I make not one single apology for my father's success as a businessman in this country who was absolutely committed to working in effective partnerships between the public and the private sectors. Nor do I make one single apology for the fact that my father struggled and worked throughout his lifetime to try to advance a social democratic Canada and the policies for which we continue to struggle in this Parliament.
I am happy to address any sensible, reasonable question this member or any other member may want to ask, but I hope that this is not an indication of the small mindedness, the petty mindedness of that member or his party and an indication of what we can look forward to in this Parliament.