Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today, but I am also a little bit disappointed.
To me, the ministerial statement by the solicitor general is nothing but lip service. It is a perfect example of the kind of promises the Liberal government makes, promises that are based on noble principles but, unfortunately, never materialize. The statement by the solicitor general is just cheap talk, despite the fact that nine Canadians out of ten think organized crime is a serious problem in Canada today.
This is even more so since recent events have shed some light on the true role of the solicitor general within the government. As we know, his predecessor was forced to resign and even admitted that he was covering for the Prime Minister.
Nothing can lead us to believe that the new solicitor general will be able to follow through on the intentions expressed in his annual statement. His role will be limited to that of the Prime Minister's valet, especially considering the fact that no Liberal member seems to have what it takes to be a true solicitor general. The solicitor general is really just a front. The true solicitor general is the Prime Minister and his staff.
Money laundering seems to be the new priority of this government. We must applaud this awakening that is kind of sudden but oh so salutary if we want to fight organized crime effectively.
In that context, the Bloc Quebecois, through me, has introduced Bill C-435 to withdraw the thousand dollar note from circulation. It is a simple legislative measure which, according to several experts who were consulted, would really hurt the gangsters who threaten our comfort and our safety.
No one can dispute the merit of the legislative measure the Bloc Quebecois has proposed. Canada is in fact the only western country with bills of such large denomination in circulation. In addition, it is a lot easier for money launderers to go about with ten $1,000 bills than with a suitcase full of $20s or $50s. It is worth noting that a study in the United States showed recently that most $100 bills bore traces of cocaine. We might well ask ourselves what is to be found on $1,000 bills.
A further bit of information. The Bank of Canada determined in August that 3,372,000 $1,000 bills were in circulation. In addition, 128,286,000 $100 bills are in circulation.
Withdrawing the $1,000 bill would be a positive step for the government. It has the support of a number of representatives of the police.
Before concluding, I would point out that the government should swallow its pride, stop being arrogant with the opposition and the public at large and give Bill C-435, which I introduced on September 24, proper attention.
It would show it is not simply a government of verbiage, but that it intends to take specific measures to fight this cancer known as money laundering and organized crime.