Mr. Speaker, we expect these comments from the member of a party that is out of touch with Canadians.
The issue is not putting a flag on a desk. The issue is why we are not allowed to put a flag on our desks when we want to put one there. For many years there were no flags on the desks of members of the House. We did not start the problem.
The members who are not listening now are the ones who are using it as a political football. The issue was decided upon by members on the other side. They displayed the flag. Why did they not object the other day when the flag was displayed on the other side of the House? It is simply because they want to get political mileage out of it, which they will be unsuccessful in doing.
We respect the Canadian flag. If we respect the Canadian flag then why are we forced not to display it in the House?