Mr. Speaker, I think the member who just spoke gave an excellent speech. He has a lot of experience in the House of Commons.
Whether they vote for the Reform Party, the Bloc Quebecois or the Progressive Conservative Party, the people have the opportunity every four years to elect parliamentarians to the House of Commons to assume their responsibilities.
I think it is up to the House of Commons and to each of the members present to assume their responsibilities. One of our responsibilities is to know whether the government supports all NATO's decisions. If that is the case, it is a bit worrisome.
If NATO decides for the Government of Canada, and we as parliamentarians have no part to play other than to bow and nod in agreement, as the Prime Minister does without even consulting the House, it is worrisome.
This week, the Bloc Quebecois presented a motion asking the government for the opportunity to exercise a very democratic right in the House of Commons: the members' right to vote and give the government the mandate to takes its responsibilities in terms of honouring commitments made to NATO.
If NATO decided tomorrow to send 200,000 soldiers, would the Government of Canada have the resources and materiel to respond? Things are getting complicated. Are civilians going to be called on to meet NATO's standards?
In closing, I want to ask the member a question. I do not know whether he agrees with me, but I am sure the Prime Minister does not have the backing of his own government and he cannot take a vote, because he is afraid his own government will vote no, when decisions have to be made in the war in Kosovo.