Madam Speaker, I am trying to be respectful. I am not being overly harsh or critical of the former leader of the Alliance. As I said, nothing I do or say could possibly hurt that member more than the pain and suffering that he and his family have had to endure over the past year. I will leave that alone.
I was interested in one of the heckles yelled out by one of the members over there when someone was talking about the success of the government. One of the hon. members yelled out “thanks to the Canadian dollar”. That is interesting because just a few moments before I heard criticism of our 62¢, 63¢ or 64¢ dollar. When the comment was made I suggested that the individual stay in Canada because our dollar is worth $1 in British Columbia, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and right here in Ottawa, Ontario.
I suggest to all Canadians that they should go out and see this land of ours. They should visit the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. It is an experience of a lifetime. They should visit Banff, Alberta if they have an opportunity to drive out there or take the train. They will only need Canadian dollars. Canada is a marvellous country. However I admit that if people do decide they want to holiday in Florida or somewhere like that then certainly the exchange rate will be somewhat difficult and expensive. I suggest Canadians try northern Ontario. They could go to Parry Sound or Sudbury. People should check out some of our provincial parks in this wonderful province or go to the Muskokas. It is an absolutely brilliant part of the country.
I am simply trying to make a point. Our Canadian dollar is well worth a dollar, 100¢ on the dollar. There are many things to do here and I encourage everyone to do so. With any luck at all that summer break might begin sooner rather than later around this particular institution. However time will tell.
I would like to share an experience I had in the past few months. I received my gas bill in the mail from Enbridge. I just about fell off my chair because it was over $700. I live in a townhouse in Mississauga. I had to wonder how I could spend $700 in gas consumption. I was astounded. So lo and behold I made a phone call and found out that the meter had been broken.