Madam Speaker, it is obvious that when government members are listening to speeches, especially constructive speeches from this side of the House, they like to make topsy-turvy interpretations of things that do not even exist in speeches that are given.
I would love the opportunity to clarify, especially on the question that was asked. Throughout my speech I spoke about the importance of moving forward, especially since the September 11 disaster that we all witnessed. I also spoke about the importance of harmonizing systems so that we have more effective security measures at the border. Whether it is on the U.S. side or on the Canadian side, it is still in our best interest to work with the U.S.
That does not mean we have to adopt the systems that are in place in the U.S. and no one has even suggested that. I think that is where the government has completely failed. We need to look at our problems here at home and seriously find ways to improve certain situations.
No one is disputing the fact that our humanistic refugee settlement program is one of the most wonderful programs in the world but it should be tightened up so that it serves incoming refugees and existing refugees in country more effectively. I do not think we would find any opposition to that.
My family came here as refugees. Our community in Canada looked into ways to improve the system for potential refugees so that legitimate refugees were let in under the settlement program but potential refugees who would abuse the system were shut out. That is where the problem lies.
It is obvious that this particular member has not taken the time to see what is happening at Canada's borders. I recently visited one of the border crossings in southern Alberta which already had a plan in place to build a new facility that will house both U.S. customs and Canada Customs and Immigration on separate floors in the same building. There will be an increased effort to work together at that particular port and others.
Does it not make sense that we in the House should be leading the way for the facilitation of systems and information that could work for both sides of the border and improve our border security? We have to remember that the reason for border security is not only to protect Canadians but to allow trade to continuously flow, especially since it is in the best interest of this country.
I encourage the member to make a shift in his thinking and allow a review of the system so we can see where improvements need to be made and where we can work more positively and constructively with the United States to harmonize systems that can work in the interests of all citizens whether they live in Canada or in the U.S. Obviously if we want to protect our trade and we should be doing that. We should not be playing games when we are trying to protect Canadian lives and Canadian trade.