Madam Speaker, I appreciate hearing the comments of the hon. member, and particularly his concern that it is very curious members of the Liberal Party are not speaking to this bill. Neither is the Canadian Alliance.
This strikes me as bizarre on such a major piece of legislation, 900 pages that will affect every Canadian who has a bank account. As I mentioned in my remarks people are outraged about the way the banks operate. There is a huge amount of interest in ensuring that consumers get a fair shake or deal. It is quite alarming to note that government members are not even willing to debate the issue. What are they afraid of?
The hon. member has expressed his concerns and those of his constituents. However I know one concern of the NDP is that there is an absence of a community reinvestment provision within Bill C-38, particularly for regions of Canada such as the hon. member represents where there is economic disparity, where local communities are hurting.
To have reinvestment by these vastly profitable banks is something that would be very healthy for local economies. It would help small businesses, individual entrepreneurs, the local economy and would have a spin-off effect. Should we not be legislating that kind of community reinvestment in the banking industry? I would appreciate hearing whether the member and his party supports that and whether or not they will put pressure on the government to do that.