Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. On March 11, back in 1998, I placed Question No. 284 on the order paper asking how many violent crimes have been investigated by the RCMP and how many involved the use of registered and unregistered firearms.
In accordance with Standing Order 39, I asked for a written answer within 45 days. My constituents have now been waiting 335 days. The commissioner of the RCMP wrote me a letter on July 6 referring to his answer to Question No. 84. The RCMP gave its response to the government 218 days ago.
I raised this matter in a point of order on October 28, on December 7, and again on February 9. The parliamentary secretary said the question was being finalized. Question No. 84 is the oldest unanswered question on the Order Paper. For the fourth time, when is the government going to give my constituents the RCMP's answer to this important question?
Mr. Speaker, I would like you to consider this. By not giving an answer to this question, my work as a parliamentarian is being restricted.